First boxing gold medal for unbeaten 11 year-old 'Demolition' Dan Connors
Amir Khan Academy and Top Yard Boxing Club sensation ‘Demolition’ Dan Connors (11) made it eight wins from eight fights as he struck gold at the New Era Box Cup at Braintree Leisure Centre.
Connors went straight into the Under 38kg semi-finals where he took on Tommy Smith of Kent Kings Boxing Club.
Smith attempted to be aggressive on the front foot from the first bell, but this tactic played into Connors’ hands. The city youngster merely took a step back to fire three-punch combinations which repeatedly snapped his opponent’s head back.
Connors won that first round handsomely and carried on his good work into the second round. His relentless attacks forced a knockdown and a dominant third round ensured a unanimous points win.
In the final Connors took on Jason Davis of Royston ABC, a taller boxer who tried to make his reach count, but Connors moved continually from side to side and attacked from all angles with speed and accuracy.
Connors took the first round and stepped up a further gear in the second round as powerful punches kept finding their target and he held his nerve and kept his composure to ensure there was no third round comeback from his opponent.
Another unanimous points win was the verdict to earn Connors the first gold medal of his fledgling career.