Repton's magnificent seven are champions of London

By Dave Brown

8 February

Repton Boxing Club’s junior coach Kelvin Wing has high hopes for the latest bunch of young hopefuls punching the bags down at the esteemed east London gym.

The year’s first competition, the National Schoolboys Championship, which culminates in Brentwood next month, has already begun and seven Repton boxers have been crowned London champions and will move on to the regional finals.

Two of them, Simon Baker and Danny Arnold, are hoping to retain their national titles and made comfortable starts to their quests.

Baker had a majority decision against Charlie Doherty from Northolt, at York Hall, while Arnold came through his London final against Patrick McDonagh in Romford a week later.

“They have both done it all before and I would be surprised if they didn’t reach the finals again,” said Wing, who is in charge of around 40 registered juniors at the club.

Simon’s brother John had an easier route to the next stage when he got a bye while cousin Frank Baker, a first-year fighter, showed plenty of potential when he beat Islington’s Patrick Ward in the semis and then overcame Andrew Shrubb.

Jimmy Smith, another first year, was crowned London champion in the under 44 kilo class, beating James McDonagh.

James Branch and Obey Coates also stayed on course for the national finals.

Repton’s youngsters enjoyed a successful year in 2009 with seven qualifying for the junior ABAs, the preliminary rounds of which start soon.

The London Federation of Boys Clubs heats are also imminent, meaning it’s a busy time at the club.

“They’re all busy training and getting ready for the various competitions that are coming up,” Wing said.

“All the juniors we have here are keen to test themselves in the ring.”