PROMISING Barrow ABC youngster Brandon Smith made it two wins out of two with an impressive display on Welsh soil.

Smith earned a unanimous verdict at the Clywd Boxing Club show at Rhyl Town Hall.

It was 16-year-old south paw Smith’s second win in quick succession and

Barrow ABC head coach Jeff Moses said: “Brandon’s opponent weighed in heavy, but we took the bout and he won again with a unanimous verdict.

“It was down to non-stop work rate. He boxed fantastic.”

The long journey to North Wales was worthwhile for the Brook Street contingent, with Smith victorious, and fellow youngsters Ethan Holt, Lewis Symon and Xander Parramore all getting in some useful ring time with skills bouts. Also in action was super-heavyweight Jim Braithwaite, whose bout against big Damian “Damo” Robinson from the host club was top of the bill.

Moses was pleased with Braithwaite’s display and felt he was perhaps a bit unlucky to lose on a split decision, a verdict backed up by the fact that the Swarthmoor slugger man was awarded the best boxer of the night prize.

Said Moses: “Big Damo is a crowd pleaser and he had a massive following and it was a good bout.

“Personally, I thought Jim got it, but the result went to a split and big Damo won it.

“Hopefully there will be a match at our show next month (Saturday, November 4 at The Nines).”

Braithwaite completed a busy weekend of action two days later by competing in the England Boxing Championships regional final in Manchester. Once again he lost on a split decision, this time to Alex Bloomer of Collyhurst and Moston ABC, but Moses hailed a terrific effort.

He said: “Friday was a long night for Jim. We had to wait five or six hours and watch 22 bouts before his was the last bout of the night.

“But it didn’t do him any harm getting the rounds in, and Sunday was one of the best bouts he has had. He was very tidy and composed, but he just didn’t get the decision.”

Barrow ABC fighters are in action this weekend when Tia Davies and Matt Currie head to Newcastle, while the following Saturday Ethan Holt, Lewis Smith, Mark Smith, and Xander Parramore will be lacing up the gloves in Carlisle.

Davies has a busy few weeks ahead as she prepares to challenge for the national title in the 69-75kg category.

Everyone at the club wishes Ross Cooksey the best of luck in his third professional fight, at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena, this Saturday.

Brook Street product Cooksey is hoping to make it three wins out of three in the pro ranks and Moses said: “It’s great to see how well Rossco is doing.

“He could have fought on November 4, but he prioritised our show. We wanted him to go on the top table, but he wants to help out with the boxers. That’s what he is like. He’s the real deal.

“You can see how excited he is with it all. Work and training is not a burden for him. He is enjoying it all, which is great.”