FORMER WBO world featherweight champion Colin ‘Sweet C’ McMillan was guest at the first show of 2014 for Chippenham’s Emeralds at the West End club.

McMillan, also the British and Commonwealth champion, was present for a total of 11 bouts on the show sponsored by Martin Webb (Shoestrings), nine of them featuring fighters from the home club.

First up for Emeralds was Tommy Cawley, who was defeated by a split decision against Lewis Roberts, of Fitzpatricks ABC (Swindon), who earned the best away boxer of the night award from McMillan.

Cawley’s brother Jim Cawley ensured the family didn’t leave empty-handed as he finished on the right side of a split decision against Leon Mills, of Titans ABC.

Emeralds’ Johnny ‘Be Good’ Ward was a unanimous victor against Swindon ABC’s Liam Baily, sending his opponent to the canvas in the third and final round and picking up the best home boxer trophy from McMillan.

Next up for Emeralds was Connor Gray, who was edged out on a hotly-disputed split decision by Cameron Taylor, of Copnor ABC, despite the home fighter having felled his opponent in the opening round and being on top when the bell went.

Home boxer Cameron Agnew was retired by head coach Liam Lathbury midway through the second round of his bout with Jai Harms (Copnor ABC).

Emeralds’ only female boxer Emma Hansleman took on Bronwyn Duff (Fitzpatricks ABC) in what proved to be the crowd pleasing fight of the night, the home fighter finally earning her first win with a unanimous decision.

Home fighter Kieran Chivers was retired in round three by coach Richard Nelson against Paul Neale (Titans ABC), while Emeralds’ Leo Swinfen, returning after a long layoff and shoulder surgery lost out to Dzhabrail Bamator (Cheltenham Boxing Academy) on a controversial points decision.

James Grogan (Emeralds) repeated his victory of several weeks earlier over Musha Malcolm (Swindon ABC), this time winning by a unanimous decision.

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