Boxer Kieran Smith grabs silver

Nov 24 2011 by Kieran Westbrook, West Lothian Courier

GREENRIGG boxer Kieran Smith has clinched silver in his first ever senior boxing competition.

The 18-year-old was handed a late call-up to take part in the Senior Great British Championships after Scottish senior champ Aston Brown pulled out through injury.

And Kieran certainly grabbed his chance with both gloves.

The tournament consisted of four boxers, two from England, one Welsh and one Scottish, all champions or runners-up in their own national championships.

Kieran was drawn against Welsh champion Jamie Evans in his semi final heat.

Kieran has a great record against Welsh boxers, having never lost against one in five attempts.

And it was to be sixth time unlucky for the Welsh as Kieran boxed well behind his southpaw jab to win the bout 11-8 on points.

In the final, Kieran stood toe-to-toe with England's Anthony Fowler – a boxer with a fearful reputation for power punching and a GB podium champion.

The bout started cautiously with Fowler feeling out Smith with his jab.

Kieran used his great footwork, not letting himself become trapped on the ropes or in the corners.

But in the end, the Englishman’s experience proved decisive as the Englishman boxed behind his jab to run out a 15-9 point's victory.

Kieran missed out on gold, but his club coach, Whitburn’s former heavyweight contender Gary Wilson was delighted with his protege’s performance.

He said: “Kieran really did himself proud at the tournament.

“He only managed to get in because of another boxer’s injury, but he certainly took his chance and I think he’ll have caught a few people’s eye.

“He will have taken a lot from the experience and although he was really disappointed not to win, he should be very proud of his showing.

“It was a privilege to be in London last week to see Kieran's performance.”

Kieran has had a busy autumn, winning a silver medal at the Commonwealth Youth Games in September before taking part in a Scotland versus France match in October where he beat Northern French Champion Mourad Sayah.

Kieran was invited to take part in a training and assessments weekend at Team GB headquarters after impressing at the Senior Great British Championships.