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Boxing show's cast of stars
16 February 2005
Boxing coach Glen Saffer has urged fight fans to forget about Amir Khan and watch Norfolk's brightest ring hopes in action at the Senior ABA quarter-finals next week. The presence of Olympic silver medallist Khan on the bill is one of the main reasons why the show – now put back a week to February 26 – at the Ocean Room in Gorleston is an 800-ticket sell-out. But Saffer, coach for Kingfisher ABC who are hosting the show, says there's so much more on offer. "The Walsh twins, Liam – the Junior Commonwealth Games gold medallist – and Ryan are in action after coming through their Zone finals, as are fellow Kingfisher members Mark Redhead, Nathan Dale and Mickey Talbot. It's not all about Amir Khan," said Saffer. "We all know what he's capable of. It's the local lads you should be watching. The Walsh brothers are only 18 years old, but they are both aiming for the Commonwealth Games in 2006, and then the Olympics.
"After that, who knows? At the moment they aren't interested in turning professional, it's all about getting wins on their CV. Then it's the Games and hopefully a successful career at the top."
The Walsh twins came through the Zone stages of the senior ABAs in Oxford at the weekend, Liam beating Lawrence Lewis of Wolvercote ABC 26-6 in the 54kg category while Ryan beat D Callan of Stevenage ABC 15-12 in the 51kg category.
That sets up a Norfolk v Liverpool clash for the twins, with Liam now taking on last year's winner in the 54kg category, Nick McDonald, while Ryan faces Paul Edwards, who reached the semi-finals last year.
Light-heavyweight Redhead didn't fight last year and finds Joey Ainscough (Kirkdale), ranked number five in the country, in his way.
Khan is due to take on Suffolk's Carl Allen, of East Gate Aamateur Boxing Club, in the 60kg category.
Dale, 14, is in action in the afternoon at the Ocean Room in the Amateur Boxing Association of England's Golden Glove competition, while 21-year-old Talbot takes part in the novices' under-10 bout championships.
The Walsh brothers were due to fight for England against Italy at Waveney Leisure Centre tonight, but have been left without opponents – for the moment, at least.
"They're disappointed, but everything is being done to try and secure fights for them on the night," said Saffer.
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