Whittlesey brothers blast their way to Box Cup titles in North Devon

Patrick Connors (17) and his younger brother Dan Connors (11) both produced impressive displays throughout the competition in Ilfracombe, securing championship titles in their respective weight categories. The pair represented Essex-based Legends Boxing Academy.

Patrick Connors won the youth category after beating three capable opponents in three days.

In the quarter-finals, Connors beat Leland Pedrick from the West Country with his strength and accuracy decisive from the first bell on the way to a unanimous points win.

The semi-final presented a much tougher challenge, with Connors facing experienced, and older, boxer James Caprial from Golden Ring. They delivered an outstanding scrap and Connors was forced to dig deep to gain a majority 4-1 decision.

Waiting for him in the final was talented Welsh champion Terry Mullane, a boxer with twice Connors’ experience, but after an even start the local lad dominated the final two rounds to claim an impressive victory.

Dan Connors won the Under 36kg Championship after going straight into the semi-finals where he beat fancied fighter John Collins from Didcot BA unanimously on points.

And it was also one-way traffic in the final against Carter Smith from Croxteth ABC which he won on a stoppage after forcing three standing eight counts thanks his relentless punching power.