Boxing: Northwest duo are crowned Scottish champions

Nov 16 2012 by Lizzie Smith, Kilmarnock Standard

Northwest boxers Ewan Hamilton and Stephen Connell have been crowned Scottish champions.

Amazingly, Ewan, 11, won his first ever fight beating John Paul Clark, of Newarthill ABC, in a 8-6 points decision for his place in the final.

In his second bout, Ewan defeated Brodie Grant, of Hillpark, 6-5 to become the 2001 (year of birth) 40kg Scottish Novice Champion.

Stephen, 17, showed strong punching power and movement to beat Corrie McManus, of Dennistoun, for his place in the final.

With only two hours in between fights Stephen faced Keith Gillespie, of East Lothian, in a tough 1995 Youth 69kg Scottish Novice bout.

Stephen was awarded the title after a nervous wait for a points countback.

Stephen and Paul Hope won by unanimous points decisions in fights against Wullie McDonald and Zane Powell respectively at the Dunbeath ABC show in Fife.

Coaches Graeme Marshall and Ray Connell are thrilled with the club’s magnificent start to the season.

Work is underway in building a new gym and facilities for the club in Kirkton Road, Kilmarnock.

Training is currently held at Kilmarnock College’s Townholm campus.