Boxing: Danyaal Mahmood strikes gold

Gareth Pratt, David Hodkinson, Danyaal Mahmood, Tim Pegg

Danyaal Mahmood, who boxes out of Queensway ABC gym, defended his title to take gold at the annual Box Cup which took place in Grantham.

The Box Cup is a big event with over 300 boxers competing over three days and battling it out to be crowned the champion.

Day one saw all the boxers weigh in and the draw was done; Mahmood got a bye so wasn’t fighting.

On semi-final day, Mahmood took charge of his contest early in the firts round, working his south paw jab to maximum effect and staying on the outside of his opponent who was struggling to adapt.

Round two also went In favour of the Queensway boxer.

Mahmood continued landing quality combinations in round three and went for the finish, which nearly came but the bell saved his opponent.

A unanimous points decision for Mahmood gave him a place in the final.

The final itself was a repeat of last year’s final.

Mahmood took the first round with ease, putting his stamp on the contest, leading off with combinations and counter punching pretty much coming from all angles.

The second round was a little bit more hectic but Mahmood still had the upper hand.

The final round was slightly closer, as Mahmood had hurt his hand in the second, but he still managed to control the fight and took gold for the second year in a row.