Shropshire Star

Rising star Hussain strikes gold for Wellington

Wellington have a new international gold medal boxer after Ehteshan Hussain stormed his way to the revered Monkstown International Box Cup title.

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The 14-year-old claimed top spot in the 42kg category while older brother Shayan, 16, lost in a closely-contested semi-final at the Dublin event.

A total of 958 boxers from all over the globe entered the international event and Wellington Boxing Club were celebrating a ‘big thing’ in their seven-year history.

Charlton School student Ehteshan got the better of home favourite Jack Magee on a unanimous judges’ decision after three rounds to claim his gold medal in the age and weight category.

According to head coach Mo Fiaz, the youngster boxed brilliantly in the first round at Loughlinstown Leisure Centre before Magee required a standing count in the second round and Ehteshan also claimed the third.

“It’s a massive tournament for us especially against teams from all over,” said Fiaz.

“I’m really proud as a club we are really buzzing now. They’ve been with us since we started when they were youngsters.

“Ehte in particular has done really well. In two years he has lost two-and-a-half stone, he used to be a tubby lad who loved pizza and chocolate.

“But he’s so dedicated now. He’s really come on especially in the last year with the ABA finals. We have good hope for him now.”

The Wellington duo have been with Fiaz’s club for all of their seven-year history. The brothers’ parents own a takeaway store on Dawley Road.

The gold medal continues fine recent form from Ehteshan who was runner-up in the English ABA final earlier this year – beating a three-time winner along the way.

Shayan, who attends Ercall Wood Technology College, lost out in a split decision 3-2 in his semi-final to another local fighter, of the Monkstown Boxing Club.

“It was a close fight but their lad won it, no complaints,” added Fiaz.

“He still fought really well.”

The Wellington club travelled to the Republic of Ireland capital with a party of 20 people, including the participants, family and supporters of the club.

The weigh-in took place on Thursday, before Friday’s draw, the semi-finals on Saturday and finals on Sunday.

The brothers will take a break from action until Wellington’s home show contest in October.

The Monkstown event, which attracts thousands of spectators from all over the world, is an international contest for youngsters born between 1998 and 2006 and has been running since 2013.