Schools Euros 23: Five more win on day two

Quality performances on day two of the EUBC Schools European Championships in Maribor, Slovenia ensured five wins from six bouts felt extra special.

Siobhan Haley of Platinum Boxing was up first for Team England, as she faced Poland’s Maria Gorzelanna in Under 54kg.

The taller southpaw used her reach throughout and was able to pick her off her opponent towards the end of the first round.

Haley’s lead-hand led the way in the second and third rounds as a classy performance was capped off by a 4-1 split-decision victory.

Next up was Under 57kg boxer Megan Woods of Barum Boxing, as she also faced Polish opposition in the form of Wiktoria Kustosz.

Despite both boxers starting off fast, the Pole was able to show her strength first and forced a standing eight count on Woods in the first round.

The second round started off much the same way, with both boxers pilling on the pressure. With neither wanting to give away an inch, the result ultimately went in favour of Kustosz who inflicted a further two standing eight counts in the second round – resulting in a referee stopped contest.

A tough decision for Woods, who boxed extremely well against a tough opponent.

After a quick ring switch, Cleary’s Serena Mali faced Ukraine’s Daria Liahotska in an Under 46kg contest.

Mali’s fast hands and lightning footwork saw her comfortably take the first round. The taller Englishwoman used her reach advantage and skill in the second whilst also inflicting a standout lead-hand uppercut.

A silky showing from Mali was rewarded in a unanimous decision victory and a place in the quarterfinals.

The final female boxer for Team England on day two came in the form of Jaya Kalsi.

She faced Maja Kuran of Poland in an Under 48kg bout and both boxers got off to an electric start, but it was the orthodox boxer Kalsi who was able to take the initiative.

Multiple lead-hand one-two combinations landed on her opponent, ensuring the Cleary’s girl took the first two rounds comfortably. A switch-hitting showing in the third round meant she secured a 4-1 split-decision victory.

Having his second bout in two days was Billy Saunders, up against Greek representative Alexandr Konstantinoudis in Under 40kg action.

A composed Saunders worked well behind his jab to take the first round on four judges’ scorecards. The second round was another excellent showing from Billy, repeatedly tagging his shorter Greek opponent ensuring his stylish performance was crowned with a unanimous decision victory.

The final boxer on day two for the Three Lions was William Loveridge in an Under 63kg bout against Ukrainian Illia Kunytskyi.

A cagey opening round was scored in favour of Loveridge after he landed a flurry of scoring on shots on the bell.

The Sporting Ring southpaw countered well throughout the second round and grew excellently into the third to take charge of the bout and bring home a unanimous points decision victory.

Day Three Schedule:

To follow.