Quartet of boxers stars for university (From Worcester News)

Quartet of boxers stars for university

3:20pm Sunday 21st March 2010 in

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AS Wladimir Klitschko continues to dominate boxing’s heavyweights, four University of Worcester students have tasted success in the sweet science.

Fledgling fighter Jessica Stone claimed gold at the British Universities and Colleges Sport Championship in the less than five fights 64 kilograms category having only taken up the sport six months ago.

The 19-year-old, who is a first-year sports and exercise science student, said: “I joined the University boxing club just as a way to get fit.

“I never imagined that I would compete — let alone win gold in my first competition.”

While Stone was claiming gold in Sheffield, Rhosswen Lloyd and Tom Simpson were winning silver, while Jack Short reached the semi-finals in the men’s novice class.

Lloyd, who is a second-year nursing student, saw her medal came in the women’s less than five fights 60kg category.

“Like Jess, I started to improve my fitness,” the 24-year-old said. “I’m really pleased to have won a silver medal.”

Simpson, who returned to the sport at the university, competed in the men’s open 71kg class as he took the silver ahead of competing in the Midlands ABA Championship finals in Birmingham.

“I gave it up as a teenager, but then when I came to university I decided to give it another go,” the 27-year-old third year environmental management student said.

Having reached the semi-finals in the men’s novice 71kg category, Short is hoping that he can go on to better things.

“I really enjoyed taking part in my first competition and hope I can enter again in the future,” the 19-year-old psychology student added.

Head coach Alan Bray said: “It was the first competition for all, and they did fantastically. I am so proud of them.”