Pagan becomes Boxing champ

Jul 3 2009 by Our Correspondent, Dumfries Standard Friday

BOXING TALENT Rhys Pagan has become the British Amateur Junior Champion after beating the reigning champ to the gold medal.

The 16-year-old from Sanquhar was competing in his first ever International Amateur Boxing Championships.

And after a tough battle against England’s Zac Smith – the title holder and favourite going into the competition – Rhys came out on top.

In a compelling match-up, Rhys ran out victorious with a seven points to four win, earning him the gold medal and title. Zac had only been beaten once before the bout.

At 57kg in weight, Rhys is now the 2009 British Amateur Junior Champion. Having won the Scottish Amateur Championship earlier this year, he was entitled to enter this important competition. He had earlier fought Kyle Jones of Wales beating him in an impressive 14 points to four in the semi final.

Amateur Boxing Scotland hosted the event in Portobello Town Hall bringing Britain’s finest young prospects together in a Champion of Champions tournament. It was organised by the GB Junior Boxing Championships.

In addition to his daily work out sessions in his own boxing gym, Rhys attends three regular weekly practices at the Doon Valley AB Club, Dalmellington, where he is coached by Sam Mullen. In addition Rhys was invited to attend the Scottish Boxing Team twice weekly sessions over six weeks at the Phoenix Club, Edinburgh, where the Scottish coach Peter Harrison gave Rhys much appreciated training at this advanced level.

Sam Mullen is very proud of “his” boy who, along with two other club members Martin and Calvin McCord, had both won Silver British Junior Amateur medals at their weights. A tremendous achievement for a very small Scottish club.

Mum, dad, David and Heather Pagan, and sister Hannah were cock-a-hoop when the winning decision was announced with great cheers from all the supporters particularly when he waved a large St Andrew’s flag in the ring.