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Grainger out of final luck

31/12/2003

HEYWOOD heavyweight hopeful Martyn Grainger's challenge for the National Amateur Boxing Association's Novice Championships ended in disappointment.

The 19-year-old from Darnhill and Heywood Boxing Club was outpointed by Norm Jones, a much older and more experienced fighter from London's renowned Fitzroy Lodge ABC.

Jones, an awkward southpaw, made life hard for Grainger from the off in what turned out to be an untidy contest.

And the local lad, urged on by 60 supporters who had made the journey to Knottingley, couldn't break down his opponent's unorthodox approach.

Grainger countered well, at times, but never gained control of the contest.

The Heywood man had done well to get to the final and the experience will stand him in good stead for the future.

New members Luke Birch and Graham Towriss have received their medical cards.

Luke's father Derek, a well-known big hitting boxer in the 1970s, fought against America and Canada as an amateur.