Alfie Briggs-Price’s performance earns England call-up for GB Junior and Youth Tri Nations

Alfie Briggs-Price’s performance at the national finals has earned him a chance to represent England in the Tri Nations.

Briggs-Price and Sam Hardy were both in the ring over the weekend, representing Newark Amateur Boxing Club in the semi-finals of the England Boxing National Junior Championships at Guildford Spectrum Leisure Complex.

Despite hard-fought performances, both Newark boxers failed to secure their respective weight category titles, although there was a silver lining for Briggs-Price, who impressed England coaches enough to earn a chance to compete at the forthcoming GB Junior and Youth Three Nations event.

Briggs-Price, competing in the Male Junior Under 66k category, faced tournament favourite and southpaw Lewis Robinson from Liverpool’s Gemini ABC in the semi-final, who boasts 13 wins and two losses.

The Newarker started quickly, taking control from the off with fast combinations.

Listening to his corner, he continued to dominate and work on both the inside and outside, leaving his opponent unable to cope with the pressure and getting a warning for holding.

“Iron sharpens iron is a familiar phrase in the boxing world and one that definitely applies to Alfie,” said Suggy’s Gym head coach Dean Sugden.

“If I were to give an award for the most improved boxer at Newark ABC, it would be given to him.

“His dedication and commitment both in training and when boxing have been first class, his technique continues to improve and I told everyone that if he performed at his best he’d be a difficult man to beat.

“And he was just that, putting on an outstanding performance that definitely caught the attention of England Boxing coaches who were there talent spotting as he breezed through the semi-final.”

Briggs-Price met Callum Kimore-Walsh, from High Wycombe, in the final, who record stood at 11 wins and three losses.

Kimore-Walsh came out of the blocks quickly, though Briggs-Price soon settled down to control the exchanges and take the first round.

Instructed by his coach Steve Williams to make a faster start for the second, the Newark boxer made the necessary adjustments and did exactly that.

Round two saw him pushing and pressing his opponent, landing some big shots at the end of exchanges to win the round.

“Knowing that the third round was the most important one in the eyes of judges and realising that his opponent was tiring and not coping well with his pressure, Alfie boxed brilliantly on front, side and back foot to dominate this one too,” said Sugden.

“We all thought he was sure to be crowned this year’s champion but, much to the surprise of everyone in attendance, a split decision was announced against Alfie.

“Although Alfie was devastated not to get the nod after such an amazing performance that was definitely deserving of a win, his improvements have been off the Richter scale over last 12 months.

“And it goes without saying that he was elated by the England Talent Team’s response to his performance over the weekend, which saw him being handed an official invitation to represent England in the GB Junior and Youth Tri Nations.”

The tournament takes place from June 10 to June 12.

Saturday also saw two-time National Champion and last year’s silver medallist Sam Hardy in action in the semi-finals against Fitness Guru’s Archie Bell, whose record stood at 13 wins and four losses.

“Although everyone thought he’d just nicked it, Sam under-performed this time around,” said Sugden.

“But he was still unfortunate to lose on a split decision.

“That said Sam has proved time and time again he is the one to beat in National Championship contests and I’m sure we’ll see his hand being raised again sooner rather than later.”