Midlands glory for Atwal after he just makes the cut

Ricky Atwal, left, with Cleary's stablemate Danny Quartermaine. Picture submitted

Atwal, who is also a coach at Cleary’s, only signalled his intentions to enter the championships last Friday, and went straight into the Midlands 75kg final, where he met Bulkington ABC’s Connor Robson.

Atwal was held at range by the taller Robson in the first round as his opponent controlled the centre of the ring.

However, with the round coming to a close, Atwal unleashed a right hand which produced a significant cut above one of Robson’s eyes.

The Bulkington boxer’s corner man frantically tried to patch him up but the doctor called the contest off, handing Atwal the Midlands vest in what is expected to be his final season as a boxer.

Danny Quartermaine and Lewis Williams will be looking to emulate Atwal this weekend when they take part in Midlands finals.

Quartermaine will face Romain Ncube from 2nd City ABC after coming through his semi-final clash with D&A Boxing’s Sean Pikire.

It will be Quartermaine’s 50th fight and coach Edwin Cleary believes despite that experience he is still developing.

“Danny’s had his critics about his style but because I see him every day in the gym I know he’s got so much more to show and in time he will develop,” said Cleary.

Williams got a bye into his final where he will face last year’s national semi-finalist Ryan Hatton.

Sean Greenfield, however, is out after losing out on a split decision.

Greenfield had every reason to feel aggrieved after giving his opponent a standing count in the first round. However, he was back in the gym on Monday as he looks to make amends for three years away from the ring.

“I’m 100 per cent certain Sean, with a bit of hard work, will recapture his former level,” added Cleary.