CHEPSTOW Boxing Club’s Patrick Larkin stepped in at short notice to box the current Youth Commonwealth Games silver medallist at the weekend, writes Bob Cypher.

But as Larkin’s opponent, Jake Lovell, is more than a year older than Larkin, the bout could only be an exhibition event rather than producing a winner and loser.

The club’s head coach Steve Woods explained that Larkin had only two hours notice of the bout but acquitted himself well under the circumstances.

“I had a phone call two hours before the weigh-in from the show organiser at a club in Swansea asking if Patrick would be prepared to box,” Woods said.

“Apparently Jake’s original opponent had pulled out and the organiser asked if we would help because he needed to fill the show.

“We agreed because although Patrick is younger, I felt it would do a lot for his confidence and he put on a great performance for the crowd at the show.”

Although two of the club’s youngsters, Luke Connor and Pat Mullane, lost on points in their bouts, Woods was upbeat about the experience gained – especially Mullane’s return bout against Brooklyn Rafferty at Swansea’s Premier Boxing Club.

“It’s all good ring experience for the lads,” he said.

This weekend saw Larkin back in action against Joel Manning in Somerton Boxing Club’s show.

“Manning is heavier and has a lot more experience but I want my boxers to take on such opponents for the experience they gain.”

Woods is now putting together the card for the club’s own show next month,

The show will take place on January 20th at Severn Bridge Club in Bulwark with the first bout due at 8pm. Admission (pay on the door) is £10 adults and £5 for OAPs and children.