YOUNG Droitwich Amateur Boxing Club fighters have been busy with mixed success.

George Howard, 14, outfought a tough opponent in Birmingham but a week later in Manchester was unlucky to drop a close decision in what onlookers described as one of the best bouts of the season.

Head coach Charles Delve said: “George was giving away experience but even his opponent’s coach thought him unlucky not to get the decision.

“His speed of punching and clever head movement in defence were electrifying.

“The punch of the bout was a devastating hook to the body from George which put his opponent down.”

Howard sparring partner Stevie-Lee Jones, 14, also enjoyed a good win in Coventry. With his mastery of back-foot counter punching, Jones outpointed his more stand-up and aggressive opponent.

In addition to his flashy skills the Spa boxer showed plenty of grit, determination and heart.

At the same tournament Mimi Hobby, 16, lost on a split decision in another cracking contest.

Hobby has been clawing her way back from a neck injury in recent months but despite this her class and superior skills troubled her come-forward opponent on numerous occasions from the first to the final bell.

The decision went against the Droitwich competitor but she will no doubt build on the performance and gain confidence for the future.

At Brierley Hill the Smith brothers Ephraim, 13, and Sailey, 10, both showed promise with eye-catching performances on their debut bouts.

Ephraim Smith was up against an opponent who had boxed before but he nevertheless controlled the bout from start to finish and rightly emerged victorious to silence a hostile crowd.

Sailey Smith took part in a no-decision skills bout and performed exceptionally well, utilising quick, agile footwork to move in and out of range and catch his opponent with rapier-like shots. He looks one to watch.

Ewan Sanders, 14, also found himself confronted by a hostile crowd in Bedworth.

In another close contest Sanders’ punching power meant he was always in with a shout but he lost narrowly by a split decision to his more experienced and well-supported opponent.

The decision could easily have gone the other way.