BOXING: BROTHERS Jake and Josh Finch may have bowed out of the respective championships over the weekend, but head coach Edwin Cleary has predicted a bright future for both.
Old brother Jake, 17, travelled down to Sheffield on Saturday in the Elite Nationals for a semi-final showdown against the more experienced Jake Harrison of Gemini ABC.
Harrison provided a stern test for Jake, who had a point taken off him in the second round, and it was the Liverpool boxer who went on to win the contest.
Younger brother Josh took on highly-rated George Bance of Atherstone ABC in the Junior Warwickshire Final and he suffered the same fate as his sibling.
Bance, who won gold for England at the GB Three Nations Championships last year, produced an aggressive performance and Josh’s game plan was to frustrate his opponent but the judges awarded the win to the Atherstone youngster.
“Both boxers can hold their heads up high as they pushed there opponents in a close contests,” said coach Edwin Cleary.
“These two really do have the skill, belief, and the character to go all the way and last weekend they took their first steps to prove they could. They’re just lacking a little more experience which will come in time.
“We’ve proven with Danny Quartermaine and Lewis Williams that pushing not protecting is the way forwards and they would be the first to tell you that being pushed has really helped with their development.
“Danny and Lewis both boxed European champions early in their careers and knowing you are there or thereabouts really builds a boxers’ confidence and belief.
“Both Finch brothers have a bright future in this game. They were both back in on Monday and ready to go. I’m sure they will push on from this experience.”
