A NEW English Regional Northern title belt hangs proudly around the waist of Barrow Amateur Boxing Club fighter Steve Eilbeck.

The Furness boxer claimed the newly-minted belt with victory in front of a partisan Liverpool crowd against home fighter Jay Wright, from Salisbury.

Eilbeck brought home the 60kg title with a dominant display from start to finish, against a man caught off-guard from the first bell and unable to assert himself against a determined opponent.

Barrow ABC coach Jeff Moses was delighted to see his charge succeed, and said: “He was the last bout on, and the crowd expected their lad to win.

“But Steve took it to him right from the bell, and once he felt Steve’s power – especially the left hand coming over the top and his body shots – he had no answer.

“Give Wright his due, he was definitely tough. He took most of Steve’s shots full-on. They nearly stopped the bout in the second round, because Steve split his forehead and there was a gash on his head, but the doctor let it go on.

“Steve ended up winning unanimously, and the judges said it was the best bout of the day. That’s a massive plus and it just shows the talent we are producing to stand out against GB lads who were there.”

Victory for Eilbeck means he will have the option to defend his belt and then to face the Southern Regional title holder for the overall English title.

Other Barrow ABC fighters have also been in action.

Josh Jones lost his regional ABC bout against Ryan Smith, from Ancoats, on a split decision.

A slow start saw Jones behind on the cards and, despite turning things round in the third round with a better display, he was unable to convince all the judges of his superiority.

“He showed you can turn a a bout round at the last minute, but it just wasn’t enough,” said Moses.

Paul O’Reilly lost on points in the regional semi-finals in a close bout, where his opponent landed more positive shots.

Jim Braithwaite and Tia Davies will also be in national action, with Braithwaite heading to Tyneside for the quarter-finals and Davies set to take part in a two-day tournament featuring fighters from across the country to decide the overall champion.