O’Doherty strikes Eindhoven gold

Halstead Essex University boxer Louie O’Doherty captured the gold medal in the final of the prestigious Eindhoven Box Cup in the Netherlands.

The 19-year-old claimed a unanimous points decision over Belguim champion Karim Saboundji over three, three-minute rounds at the Van de Valk Hotel.

O’Doherty successfully stopped Portugal’s Yuri Sukhov in the first round of the quarter- final with a cold clinical display of strong aggressive boxing landing heavy right hands to head and body.

Irish champion Kenneth Doyle proved to be a much better opponent for O’Doherty, who showed good movement in his work.

The Essex Uni boxer was forced to work hard for the win, sharing one round apiece going into the final round before steeping it up with a fast, solid jab to secure a split points verdict.

Final opponent Saboundji promised to be the toughest of the tournament, with his southpaw stance and height advantage.

O’Doherty was able to nullify this in the first with his movement and hand speed, but, in the second round, the Belgian came into the bout more showing better accuracy.

However, in the third round it was the English-based boxer who dominated, cutting off Saboundji’s foot movement with his jab and footwork.

The last minute was all O’Doherty as he landed good left, right combinations and securing a 5-0 unanimous verdict to become the Eindhoven Under 64kg Elite Box Cup champion.

Meanwhile, in the same competition, Halstead’s Under 81kg prospect, Jason Bradley, lost his quarter-final bout against the Netherlands’ Nedia Bolt.

The Englishman was eager to impress and win his first major title, but met a fast-handed Bolt, who took the bout via a unanimous points victory.