Nico just misses out on national title

Having been crowned 2015 East Midlands champion for the second consecutive year, rising Stags Boxing Academy star Nico Leivars went on to reach to the national ABA final before a narrow defeat.

Leivars (15), who attends All Saints Catholic Academy in Mansfield, went into this year’s national championships full of confidence, having unanimously won all his five boxing bouts so far this season.

Leivars, pictured here with Stags boss Adam Murray, went on to win the England pre-quarter-finals, which were held in Birtley, Tyne Tees, followed by a win in the England quarter-finals which were held in Wakefield, Yorkshire.

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Leivars then went on to win the England semi-final against last year’s England Aba Champion Owen Gidman.

The following day he boxed in the final against three-times finalist Mark Chamberlain, which was held in Ponds Forge International Centre in Sheffield.

Despite giving away 11 months in age, it turned out to be a great final with both worthy champions giving it there all.

However, even though Leivars went on the front foot and pushed the pace, Chamberlain was given the nod on a split decision.

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Head coach Jules Leivars said: “We went into the championships knowing it was a very tough weight category as it had four previous national champions in it.

“It was touch and go as to put him in the 52 kilo or the 54 kilo category as he was walking around at 53 kilo one week before the start of the championships.

“As you have to maintain your category weight throughout the competition we decided on putting him in the 54 kilo category.

“Despite this Nico boxed his way into the final and did himself, Mansfield and the Stags Boxing Academy proud.

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“The final was close and could have gone either way. I thought we won the first two rounds and they nicked the third, but both lads showed great skills and determination.

“Nico is going from strength to strength, having won a gold medal over in Ireland in the summer, two-times East Midlands champion and this year’s England ABA finalist, he has a big future in the sport.”

He added: Stags Boxing Academy has only been open since January and we already have a champion. With growing numbers in the gym, I’m confident there will be much more silverware heading our way.

“Our latest edition to the coaching team, Jade Durkin, is showing lots of enthusiasm and commitment.

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“She will attend the assistants’ course in June and will be a great asset to the club. The gym is getting busier by the day, so if there are any volunteers out there that would like to help out in the club or want to join the coaching team please get in touch on 07762 789732.

“We are a community boxing club that is open to everybody from the age of 10 years.”