Boxing writer Peter Mann examines the local North-East boxing scene

AT Rainton Meadows Arena on Friday, June 5, Lambton Street ABC put on a fine show of amateur boxing which saw fighters ranging from nine-year-olds through to those in their early 20s showcasing their talents.

The focus was firmly on a senior squad preparing for a trip to the capital for the famous Haringey Cup later this month and, although there was mixed results, they didn’t disappoint.

Only three of the seven who made the squad for London’s international showpiece made the Rainton stage due to several last-minute postponements, much to the dismay of the home fighters.

The three that did appear though – John Bell, Curtis Todd and Warren Cassap - showed why the use of professional training is fast becoming a necessity even in the amateur game.

Cassap narrowly lost out to the Army Boxing Team’s Chez Nihell in what was a strong outing for both fighters in the main event, the home favourite coming on strong as the bout progressed; and Bell was successful in his outing against White Rose Boxing Club (Leeds) fighter, Harem Ali.

However, the most entertaining of the bouts on show was a local affair as Lambton Street’s Curtis Todd went glove to glove with Spennymoor Boxing Academy’s Aaron Camsell at 60kg over three rounds.

Camsell started the stronger of the two and used his incredible reach to great advantage in the early stages, often confusing and unbalancing Todd. There was a lot of fire in the attacking from the Spennymoor fighter but, as the bout progressed, Todd somehow managed to turn it on its head and gain the upper hand with his opponent seemingly tiring.

That was enough for Todd to edge ahead and, late in the second, he inflicted a standing count on his opponent administered by Middlesbrough official, Mark Hodgson.

Camsell somehow managed to hold out till the final bell though as both fighters rocked back-and-forth in the final round.

Afterwards, Lambton Street Head Coach, Tony Austin, said: “There was definitely differences between performances here (at Rainton Meadows) to the Stadium (of Light) show and the lads know that.

“However, it’s all about the kids and getting them nights to remember which is what we’ve done as, with the elite lads, it’s getting harder to get them matched up. It’s the first time I’ve ever known it to be like this as well but we have a good, quality mixture in there and we’ll see how they do on the road.”

Alongside Cassap (91kg), Todd (60kg) and Bell (64kg), Lambton Street will be sending Ryan Daley (56kg), Anth Mackintosh (69kg) and Jordan Rought (75kg) to the Haringey Cup.

Of his senior fighters, Austin added: “(Curtis) Todd has come on leaps and bounds and has the right attitude about him now.

“That’s definitely something that has been increasing this year as he listens and concentrates more on his game. Although (John) Bell boxed below par he was in against a very game, tough fighter which sees him in a bit of a catchment slot at present but he toughed it out and got the win from what was a very close fight.

“(Warren) Cassap on the other hand understands what he has to do and how to do it. It’s been a long process getting him back but he’s impressed the way he has done.

"They’re all good kids though; (Ryan) Daley is a class act and (Jordan) Rought is fantastic, a proper connoisseur of the sport; I’m also really pleased to have (Anth) Mackintosh back in the gym as well.”

The fighters, and their coaching staff, know it’s a long process and, in enlisting the help of Andy Coulson at Unit 29 Fitness, and Chris Davison, at Pro Performance Newcastle, Lambton Street are setting the benchmark for a positive future.

Elsewhere on the amateur scene, Paul Lysaght and his coaches are heading up a fundraising drive for the Durham Communities Boxing Club.

With numerous announcements due over the next few months, Lysaght has the club entered in the ‘Mars Milk Play Fund 2015’ where funding is available via a voting basis each month.

He said: “It would be fantastic for the club to get some extra funding in as it not only helps keep a lot of the subs down but we can help more kids in the deprived areas.”

Lysaght, ably supported by John Appleby, Tony Galliphant and Jeff Slaughter, know how difficult entering any sort of competition is against the bigger establishments.

He added: “This would make a massive difference, even the £300 on offer and, with the volunteers here who give a lot of time and support we need all the votes we can get.”

To support Durham Communities Boxing Club, go to www.marsmilk.com/play-fund-2015/clubs/durham-communites-boxing-club and follow the instructions.