The national title triumph of Bradford schoolgirl Ambreen Sadiq at Manchester’s Boxing School of Excellence earned a glowing tribute from ABA national coach Mick Gannon.
The Belle Vue Girls School pupil defeated Leigh Park’s Bobbie Clark 20-5, earning her the highest points tally of the day and capping off a tremendous season for Eastburn Boxing Club.
Gannon presented her with the gold medal and predicted big things for Sadiq.
“Mick was really impressed,” said Eastburn coach Naz Jalil.
“He said she was brilliant to watch and could be a future superstar.”
Sadiq – known as “Beeno” – dominated her southpaw opponent from the off, catching her with numerous combination shots to go 9-2 up after the first round.
She continued to pressure Clark, who had no option but to come forward to win some points of her own but each time was met with a barrage of punches, leaving the score 14-3 after round two.
The third round was Sadiq’s best. Her skills saw her slip Clarke’s punches, making her miss wildly.
On one occasion, she slipped under a big right, turned Clark and delivered three big shots which forced the referee to give an eight count as the Eastburn girl triumphed 20-5.
Sadiq – who as a Muslim has not always had universal approval of her participation in the sport – will attend a boxing camp in August when she will train with the England squad and hope to impress selectors.
Clubmate Jessica Wilson, of Silsden, was also hoping to compete in Manchester but her opponent pulled out with a broken rib.
Jalil, along with fellow coach Simon Halifax, is delighted with the Eastburn club’s progress this year.
He said: “From 27 bouts, we have won 19 and this is the icing on the cake. To finish with one of our boxers winning a national championship title is just brilliant.”
Jalil also used to coach Keighley youngster Muhammad Ali, who won the Royal Navy national schoolboys under-12 title this year representing Cleckheaton Boxing Academy.
Source: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportother/sport_other_indoor/boxing/4446241.Sadiq_can_become_superstar__says_coach/
