Jermaine Dhliwayo

A FEELING of pride reigned as some of the capital’s best emerging amateur boxers ­narrowly missed out on adding a national title to their London crowns.

Boxing at Under-60kg, Jermaine Dhliwayo from St Pancras ABC “picked the perfect punches” as he gained a unanimous victory against Lympstone ABC’s Louis Silk in the quarter-finals of the England Boxing National Amateur Championships on Saturday.

Held at the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, Dhliwayo then returned to the ring on Sunday to box against Frank Wood from Ropes and Glory in the semi-finals, but this time the Camden-based boxer came up agonisingly short as he was on the wrong side of a unanimous decision.

Saints head coach CJ ­Hussein said: “Jermaine lost the bout, but it was never 5-0, I thought that was a bit harsh. A split or majority decision, yes – but not unanimous.

“Jermaine should be very proud of himself. He’s had a fantastic season, the highlight of which was being crowned London champion. We’re certainly all very proud of him.”

Islington Boxing Club (IBC) showcased what promises to be a bright future, too, with London champions Tyrese Ramsey and Aziz Ben Rouha also both reaching the national stage.

Boxing at Under-71kg, Ramsey beat Antonio Dobson from St Paul’s ABC courtesy of a 4-1 split decision in the pre quarter-finals, but then narrowly lost on Saturday against Dan Toward – the GB Boxing/Birtley ABC fighter gaining a 3-2 split decision win.

Meanwhile, Ben Rouha, who was competing at Under-75kg, lost his pre quarter-final contest against Altair Gomes from Smokey’s ABC 4-1.