Gaffney wins back Western title with his 'masterclass'

RYAN Gaffney won back the Western Counties 80kg title when Mayflower ABC hosted their first show under the guidance of coaches including veteran professional Chris Adaway on Sunday.

- By ANDY PHILLIPS

Gaffney had already won and lost a Western Counties strap, but regained the belt with a 'masterclass' performance according to his coach Adaway, against Falmouth's Kaiden Symons at Agaton Social Club.

The title contest was top of the bill on a 16-bout card which showed the full range of Mayflower ABC boxing talent, from 11-year-old Lily Hill in her first skills bout, to a number of senior contests.

James Payne was also vying for a Western Counties strap, and faced a 3x3-minute bout at the 71kg level against Spencer Poole of Blue Flames boxing gym in Taunton.

But Payne was unable to defeat the visitor losing on a split decision, while Raph Ahmed, who was also scheduled for a Western Counties contest, had to pull out due to illness.

The show was the first for Mayflower ABC 'in years' said Adaway, who co-organised the evening with brother Steven White and fellow coaches Eric Sprangle and Corey Marshall.

Adaway told Herald Sport: "It was amazing such a good afternoon. Every single ticket went, the place was rammed, and every bout was entertaining.

"Everyone I talked to said it was amazing." Adaway said the main event proved worthy of the billing.

He said: "Ryan Gaffney was the main event and he boxed absolutely he took on Kaiden amazing Symons from Falmouth.

"Kaiden had beaten Ryan a couple of months ago on a Devonport show so it was a rematch, and Ryan won unanimously.