CARLISLE Villa boxer Brodie Stephenson finished the year on a high after claiming the Elite U63kg Gold medal at the England Boxing Woman’s Winter Box Cup.
Boxers from Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Isle of Man joined those from Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England to take part in the biggest Women’s boxing competition in Europe which took place in Leigh last weekend.
A total of 104 clubs and teams entered, with 68 champions crowned on Finals Day which presented a high level of amateur boxing.
Brodie was up against Newcastle’s Sophie Ray in her semi-final contest and after two dominant rounds, Ray's corner retired their boxer due to a suspected concussion.
In the final Brodie was up against an old foe Billie Mathews who represents the Royal Navy. Brodie won their previous meeting but was taking nothing for granted and knew she would have to be on her game.
However, the Carlisle boxer claimed victory, with all five judges in agreement and awarding the bout to Brodie by unanimous decision.
Brodie’s coach Jimmy Brennan reflected on the competition and the final against the Navy boxer.
He said: “Brodie started well with her quick jab that kept the shorter Mathews at bay, Mathews knew she needed to get close but Brodie’s speed was making it really difficult.
“Losing the first round meant Mathews had to try and force the issue in the second round but once again Brodie countered with super quick punches that Mathews just could not see coming.
“Good footwork from Brodie kept the bout where she wanted it and controlled the contest at long range. Another one-two combination snapped Matthews’s head back just as the bell sounded to end the round.
“Now two rounds down the shorter Mathews pushed forward with real intent but Brodie countered everything the Navy boxer threw at her. Brodie’s quick feet and really sharp punches kept her out of distance and out of trouble.
“Mathews was really going for it now and threw caution to the wind but Brodie’s fast feet and superb hand speed ensured the attacks from Mathews would not have any effect on the outcome.
"The bout finished with both boxers exchanging punches, Brodie landing a heavy right hook and two straight right hands as the bell rang to end the bout. "
“It was a fantastic finish to the season which sees Brodie remains unbeaten with 8 wins from 8 bouts since returning after a break away from Boxing in January.”
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