FLEDGLING club Radcliffe Community ABC took three young boxers to an amateur show at West Auckland Workingmen's Club in Bishop Auckland.

Katelyn Singleton, aged 17, showed her promise with a unanimous victory on points in her debut bout at the 59kg level, while 14-year-old Henry Gargan was given a good workout in his first skills bout.

Sam Reay also fought well but fell the wrong side of a unanimous points decision. It was a first defeat for the 23-year-old, who was fighting at 70kg, but was by no means a one-sided fight.

Coach Barry Smart said: "Katelyn fought beautifully, putting together some nice combinations that forced her opponent into two standing eight counts.

"Henry was given a great introduction into the amateur game with a 48kg skills bout.

"He out-boxed his opponent, showing good head movement and using his jab to move his opponent around the ring.

"Sam's fight was one of contrasting styles. He was taller and had the longer reach, which forced his opponent to keep rushing inside and was given three warning for use of his head.

"Sam caught him with some good hard rights but his opponent kept coming forward and was the aggressor. He was constantly throwing punches but not all landed cleanly. 

"Sam had to cover up and keep a tight guard or moved off to throw some counter punches, but they were not rewarded by the judges."