The Dragons are coming...Welsh amateur news

The cream of North Wales boxing swept to victory at the WABA finals over the weekend.

Colwyn Bay-based Dyffryn Amateur Boxing Club enjoyed a very successful night at the Bridgend event.

Boxing in the finals for the second year running at 48kg, schoolboy Jarod Jones claimed a 10-5 win over Cory Keen of Pontypool to claim the title.

After a good first round Jones was 3-2 up but by the end of the second his opponent had levelled at 5-5.

Not to be denied, Jones produced his best ever form in the final session to win by a runaway score of 10-5. The youngster’s performance was nothing short of outstanding.

Dyffryn’s James Leary, boxing in his first final at youth level 52kg, produced a good display against Keiron Richards of Heads of the Valley and despite edging the first and last rounds let it slip in the second.

Leary wound up 8-3 down at the end of the second only to produce an excellent last round to lose by 10 points to eight.

Dyffryn coach Wez Jones said: “Our club had four boxers this year who competed in the finals and all four did themselves and our club proud.”

Jones, along with Dyffryn’s other champion Billy Edwards, should now represent Wales in the Four Nations tournament.

Meanwhile, Deva Police ABC are celebrating the fine achievements of their new Welsh champs, Andy Jones and Joe Lovell.

The club had a fine weekend, with Lovell beating Dale Evans by 18-6 to win his first senior title at Bridgend.

Jones, a talented super-heavyweight, beat John Boland 18-10 to retain his title.

Club spokesman Tommy Dix said: “It’s been a remarkable year already for this club. I know that Andy and Joe will agree it’s been a great team effort.

“Joe has had the luxury of having Ash Appleby, Dave McDonagh and Daniel Evans to spar with. They are all boys who on their night could give any boxer all they wanted.

“Andy has also enjoyed the opportunity of sparring at Liverpool and also at Collyhurst where Brian Hughes and Pat Barratt have passed on their knowledge and tips to him.”

Tommy added: “Manchester’s two hot prospects Scott Quigg and Rhys Roberts (from Ricky Hatton’s stable) are looking forward to meeting Joe and the boys at our next show on April 16. They’ve both sparred him in his quest for honours and it obviously hasn’t done him any harm.”

Lovell, Jones and Appleby are just three of several quality boxers Deva have produced. I guarantee there will be more names to look out for over the next 12 months.

If you throw into the mix the fabulous young fighters at Holyhead’s Red Dragon ABC, Llandudno, Shotton, Llay and the many other amateur stables in North Wales then the future looks very bright for the region.