MICHAEL “Buller” Pardoe has regained his Midland Counties crown.

The 27-year-old welterweight boxer from Droitwich Amateur Boxing Academy avenged his controversial defeat by Leamington’s Miles Vane in last year’s ABA Championships with a well-deserved points victory over Vane in this year’s Finals in Birmingham. Pardoe had previously held the title in 2012.

Always sharp on the inside, Pardoe also showed clever boxing skills in both attack and defence to take the first two rounds. Vane rallied in the third as Pardoe tired, but he had done enough to take the decision. Pardoe now goes on to box the Western Counties champion, James Woolnough from Guernsey in the next round at Aldershot on Saturday, April 19.

It has been a busy week for Droitwich Academy boxers. In Coventry Danny Bridges (13) won convincingly against local boxer Paul Malloy. In Cannock 21-year-old light middleweight Aaron Cawley looked a promising prospect when outpointing Paul Baker from Wolverhampton, but 15-year-old Luke Evans missed out dropping the closest of points decisions to the experienced James Beech from Walsall. In Derby 18-year-old light welterweight Stevie Smith, back in the ring after a three-year break following a series of shoulder operations, also suffered a tantalisingly close points loss to Derby’s Haydon Clarke, but Smith (a previous National finalist) did enough to show that he is getting back into form.

In Liverpool 14-year-old Sian O’Toole, in her debut, had the misfortune to be stopped in the third round against Sophie Mawhinney, but she gave a spirited performance against a formidable opponent and the stoppage seemed a little harsh.

The Academy will be open from 10am – 11.30am during the second week of the school holidays (April 22–25) for boxing coaching and fitness training, with games and competitions. Children from the age of 8 will be welcome. The cost will be £2 per session and no advance registration is required. Details from Chris Andrews 07961 375903.