COVENTRY University boxers Macauley Owen and Jordan Awale walked away with medals after demonstrating their talents at the Alexandra Palace in London recently.
Taking part in the Haringey Box Cup – Europe’s largest senior amateur boxing tournament, Owen became the under-60kg champion, whilst Awale took silver after reaching the under-69kg category final.
Owen, a Sports Nutrition student, sets a prescedent after becoming the first boxer from a university to win the prestigious title – with previous winners including Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams, Chris Eubank Jr and Katie Taylor.
Competing in the Senior A category, Owen forced a second-round retirement against Sher Khan in the quarter finals, before disposing of Masood Abdullah – a recent Elite ABA National Champion and Three Nations gold medalist – in the semi-final.
Then, in the final, he beat reigning NABC champion Dillon Clark to win the title, later earning him the accolade of Boxer of the Year at this year’s tournament.
Awale meanwhile entered at the semi-final stage, beating Mohamed Amsalkhir, before battling it out over three rounds with Billy Bridgman in the Senior B final.
The judging panel ruled the fight in Bridgman’s favour, but Awale at least walked away with the consolation of a silver medal.
Shiney Singh, head coach at Coventry University Boxing Club, was unable to hide his delight for the university’s fighters.
“It was a phenomenal weekend for our boxers, who put in some amazing performances,” he said.
“It’s been great that Macauley has been able to balance his studies and attain a 2:1 in Sports Nutrition, as well as becoming Haringey Box Cup Boxer of the Year.
“It’s the first time that any University boxer has been awarded this title, and has been great having the University’s support – we’re look forward to a bright future.”
