NEWHAM Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) staged their annual dinner show at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet with a knock-out success.

Jack Davis, 12, got the Stratford-based club off to a winning start in a toe-to-toe contest with Shildon's Steven Price.

Both boxers ripped into each other in a very evenly matched bout. But a strong final round from Davis saw the home fighter secure a majority points verdict. Newham's Liam Desmond was however on the wrong end of a unanimous decision against Shildon's L Garnett, having once again struggled to get his normal free-flowing performance going against a southpaw.

There was also disappointment for Jamie Austin, 12, who seemed to be on the end of a controversial majority points verdict from the judges against Shildon's Tommy Halimond.

George Veness got Newham back to winning ways after performing well from behind a strong jab to grab a unanimous points verdict against Harrow boxer Mitchell Smith.

It was also a similar story for the club's Jake Beer, who just about held the upper hand to beat Repton's Leon Quarmie on a majority verdict following a very close bout.

The performance of the night went to Newham's national champion Danny Dignum (pictured top right), who working well behind his southpaw jab, hitting Dale Youth's John McDonagh with some very hard-hitting combination punches.

Dignum would not only win on a unanimous decision but would also secure the boxer-of-the-night award from the judges.

He had McDonagh in real trouble in the second round with his big shots forcing the ref to step in to administer a standing eight count. And a successful night for Newham was completed with Joe Frost grabbing a unanimous points victory over Five Star's T Kennelly following a very mature and dominating display.

Delight Newham coach Bernie Miller said: "All of our lads boxed very well.

"The whole show featured some very high-quality performances from all the fighters."