Mixed fortunes for Husnain Ali

Husnain Ali - Hamer Amateur Boxing Club

Husnain Ali, 19, of Hamer Boxing Club beat Sahir Iqbal of Bury ABC by a split decision in the Northwest Elites Championships quarter finals at The Lighthouse, Coronet Way, Salford on Friday 8 April.

Iqbal is a multi-National Champion with over 100 contests and has represented England in European and World tournaments. Lots of supporters had turned up just to watch this young boxer who many said was going to be the next Amir Khan.

The Hamer Club knew Ali had a mountainous task ahead of them but also know he is a tough boxer and if there was to be a shock on the cards then it was Ali who would administer it.

The first bell sounded and the Iqbal strolled out looking as though he only had to turn up and the contest was his. At first the bout was going as planned for Iqbal as he landed lightning fast punches to the face of Ali when the Hamer boxer stepped into range. Nothing much happened during the first round other than Iqbal doing enough to take it.

The Hamer corner told Ali he was behind and and now was the time to show his worth.

On the sound of the second bell Ali immediately set about his opponent with swift and heavy punches that continually forced Iqbal back onto the ropes. This continued throughout the round.

The talented Iqbal was completely befuddled by the sheer work rate of the Hamer boxer, who never stopped throwing punches to both the body and head.

Ali put Iqbal on the canvas towards the end of the last round (the Hamer corner thought this warranted a standing eight count but it wasn't administered).

At the end of the fight, the stunned crowd watched in silent disbelief when Husnain's arm was raised in victory via a split decision.

Husnain met Steven Gilbeck in the Northwest Elite semi-finals at the same venue as above on the very next day, Saturday 9 April, and although it was a very tough and closely fought contest, and the Hamer corner thought that their boxer had just done about enough to warrant the win, the award was given to his opponent via split decision.