By Jodie Nesling
PEJ ABC Margate is putting Thanet firmly back on the boxing map winning three gold medals at Europe’s largest amateur tournament, the Haringey Box Cup.
The club based in Hatfeild Road, Westbrook saw its future stars slug it out in an event that saw 500 amateurs from across the world compete.
Running since 2008 the tournament has seen scores of boxing greats including Anthony Joshua and Nicola Adams compete.
Fighting in the under 64kg category Cameron Briggs, 17, forced a 2nd round stoppage in his semi-final which followed a hard-fought win on points against a National Champion from Salisbury, Liverpool.
Lewis Dennis (under 69kg) saw off on an opponent 18-months older in the quarter finals. A 2nd round KO in the semi-finals followed, before taking the points in the final bout against a competitor from Bristol.
Blake Binskin (under 52kg) took gold after beating a strong, technical opponent from Ireland.
Overall the club finished joint second with Sunderland-based, Lambton Street ABC.
The news follows emphatic victories for the Margate club’s juniors who took home four gold medals at the Bristol Box Cup. Poppy Pitcher, 13, secured double gold with Hadley Binskin and Bailey Knight each winning their final bouts.
Coaches Mario Michael, Scott Binskin, Ian Mcdonald and Mark Padfield say they are delighted with the results and wish to thank the club’s sponsor, Malwi Nijar of PEJ Lettings.
Training takes place at 17 Hatfeild Road, Margate at 7pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.