REDDITCH Boxing Academy (RBA) rising star Patrick Rolinson turned on the style to secure victory in his debut fight in an England select team.
Villa Park was the venue for the visit of a strong Ireland select team, among whose opposition in the squared circle was RBA’s 51kg pugilist Rolinson on the back of some outstanding victories this season which earned his selection for his first England vest.
In a supporting bout for the night, matched against Lewis Varey, Rolinson started the fight in determined fashion.
Commanding the centre of the ring, Rolinson proceeded cautiously by harassing his opponent with stinging jabs. The game opponent replied, pushing Rolinson backwards by throwing flurries of punches toward the head of the fleet-footed, dancing Rolinson.
The lead changed hand several times in this high-octane bout, as each boxer tried to dominate and was met with equal ferocity.
Skilful boxing was in place, as both boxers demonstrated excellent defence, avoiding the other’s punches. The first round ended with a hard decision for the judges to determine the stronger fighter.
As the second round began, Rolinson clearly changed tactics, opting to meet his opponent, leading off with strong rear hands, rather than moving off and picking points.
Varey tried to match the RBA boxer for power by throwing left hooks, hoping to score over Rolinson’s guard. Both boxers enjoyed success with their shots and increased in confidence but, as the round ticked forward, Rolinson seemed to just edge the higher rate of success.
Varey put in incredible effort and pushed Rolinson to the limits of his ability and enjoyed some success himself.
Both boxers came to fight for the last round and met in the middle of the ring for an old fashioned ‘tear-up’. Both boxers battled bravely, throwing everything into every punch, with Varey attempting to stop Rolinson in his tracks with his heavy shots.
Undaunted, Rolinson, raised his game and threw several right hands which landed with pristine accuracy.
The crowd cheered both boxers on as they fought with passion until the very last second of the last round. Both boxers felt they had done enough to win and it was Rolinson who got the verdict.
Rolinson, Ben Earles and Lewis Wright will be representing RBA aat the Smethwick show on February 23. RBA open class boxer Dariusz Rabenda will be in action in the elites in March.
For more information on competitive boxing at RBA, call Sarah Lee on 07541 133844 or email [email protected].
