REDDITCH Boxing Academy (RBA) star Sophie Newnes won a gold medal thanks to an outstanding display at the British NOGI Jiu-jitsu Championships in the heavyweight category.
MMA coach Newnes faced a tough opponent in her final and both competitors began strongly but, as the match progressed, Newnes began to dominate her opponent with a takedown and three attempted submissions.
Newnes eventually finished the match in under four minutes, submitting her opponent via armbar to claim gold glory.
Newnes said: “My god my opponent was strong, but I some how managed to pull it out of the bag, finally getting that armbar to come away with the gold.”
Her success builds on the high standards already set in the boxing ring by RBA members, including Jae Hudson winning a gold medal in the King of the Ring under 56kg event in Sweden and Leo Fanthome winning an England Boxing Midlands title in the tough 60-64kg B Class category (10-20 fights’ experience).
There was further evidence of the progress made by RBA fighters under the guidance of a highly-qualified coaching team as heavyweights Ash Colby and Richard Bennett secured England Boxing victories in recent bouts in Shrewsbury.
Colby boxed first at 98kg against a strong and tough opponent who started the first round with all guns blazing, swinging wild hooks to the head and body in trying to assert his authority on the visiting boxer.
Colby stayed composed, continually stepping in on his opponent to throw his own damaging combinations, unfazed by the flurry of shots coming his way.
After Colby’s well-timed shots had started to punish the Shrewsbury boxer, resulting in two standing counts in the first round, the crowd were left unsure as to how much longer the match could last, but both retired to their corner to regain their composure ready for round two.
Colby went into the second round with determination but his opponent still pressed forward with great courage. However, Colby kept on pushing him back with his heavy shots as the Shrewsbury boxer started to tire, giving the Redditch club man space to deliver cleaner shots and finish the bout with a hook to the head, followed by two straight shots in the final flurry which resulted in a second round TKO.
Bennett boxed at 82kg later on the bill. He was matched with with a rather robust and confident opponent who came out like a whirlwind in the first round.
However, Bennett weathered the storm as he covered up and timed his counter-punches to perfection to leave his opponent well and truly feeling the power in his shots.
This was enough to keep the home boxer on the back foot as he tried to avoid the strong and accurate blows. Bennett left his opponent with two standing counts before the first round came to an end.
In the second round Bennett pressed forward, moving his opponent around the ring with heavy, well-timed shots which started to take their toll.
The bout came to an end with a clean uppercut and left hook which knocked the Shropshire fighter off his feet. The contest was stopped and Bennett declared the winner with a second round TKO.
For more details about training at or participating for RBA in martial arts or any combat sport, visit www.redditchboxing.co.uk. The first class is free.
