TWO fighters from Greenock Boxing Club have been crowned Western champions after going toe-to-toe with Scotland's rising talent.
Romell Marks and Andrew McClure struck gold at the Western District Championships at M&D Strathclyde Country Park.
Max Paton also did the Bawhirley Road club proud after a brave defeat against a more experienced opponent in his final.
First to box was Max, fighting in the 2009 age group at 48kg, against Robbie McMaster of Inverclyde Boxing Club over 3x1.5-minute rounds.
Both boxers made a fast start, with Robbie sticking to his boxing, punching and moving, keeping the contest at long distance.
Max knew if he wanted to win, he needed to cut the distance down and make it a medium and short fight.
This was turning into a great contest between the boxer and the fighter.
Max performed well to edge the three rounds and win the contest.
The final proved to be a step too far for Max who lost to a very experienced Drew Campbell from Springhill Boxing Club.
Andrew - competing in the 2005 age group at 54kg - stepped into the ring to face Stephen Colbert over 3x2 minute rounds.
This was Andrew's first contest for two-and-a-half years after overcoming an injury before the pandemic.
The Greenock teenager started the contest with lightning speed, using his jab to pick his distance up and then landing three and four punch combinations to the body and head.
Andrew used the same tactics over the three rounds, winning easily to book his place in the final which was cancelled after his opponent pulled out so he won the title.
Romell - fighting in the 2006 section at 70kg - won his final against Jake Brennan of Doonhamers Boxing Club in style.
The Notre Dame pupil controlled the distance, landing hard hitting body shots, and impressed the crowd with a tenacious display.
Despite his opponent holding on and trying to smother his work, he won the contest comfortably to win the Western Districts crown.
Coach Danny Lee said: "It was great for the club to have two Western champions.
"Max was involved in a brilliant semi-final against Robbie McMaster and that's the second time they have faced each other. The finalist he was up against was just too experienced, but he will be fighting on a show in Glasgow on April 1.
"Romell and Andrew were looking sharp. Andrew had been injured before the pandemic and this was his first fight for a long time but he's now looking back to his best again.
"A lot of boys at 15, 16 and 17 want to hang about with their pals so they have all shown tremendous determination and will power to stick to the training and prepare for tournaments.
"It's great to see their hard work is paying off."
l Three fighters represented Greenock Boxing Club at a show in Carlisle.
The event was hosted by Border City Amateur Boxing Club at the Milton Hilltop Hotel.
Jamie Marshall stopped a Border City fighter to record an impressive win.
Romell Marks lost to double English champion John-Joe Carrigan.
In an all-Scottish contest, Andrew McClure took on an opponent from Rob Roy ABC.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here