Duo warm up for ABAs (From Daily Echo)

Duo warm up for ABAs

6:30am Wednesday 18th January 2012 in Boxing By Adam Leitch, Chief Sports Writer

Tommy Watson and Jimmy Cooper got their preparations for the ABAs off to a cracking start in a good weekend for amateur boxing in Southampton.

Golden Ring ABC had four fighters competing in Eastbourne before hosting the Hampshire Schoolboy championships, which featured titles for both the home club and Southampton ABC.

All eyes were on Watson and Cooper in Eastbourne as they look to bag prestigious ABA titles again this year.

Watson took on Howard Hart (Mayflower), a tall and skilful boxer who could not work out Watson’s awkward southpaw style.

He was getting caught with some heavy shots by the end of the contest, which the Southampton man won on points.

Cooper was having his second bout in a week since his move from Lymington-based club Lawrence, where he had won two national titles.

Cooper was up against Chris Adaway, who he met at the start of last season – and it was the same result, with Cooper winning with a convincing unanimous points decision.

For full story, see today's Southern Daily Echo.