Conor wins the Welsh national title

Bideford boxer Conor McIntosh is the new Welsh Super-Featherweight Champion after beating Nathan Howells from Newport in a cracking bout.

McIntosh entered the fight as underdog against Howells, who was previously unbeaten in nine fights but the Bideford ABC star gained dominance early in the fight, knocking Howells down twice in the first round with left crosses.

In the second round, Howells hit the deck again, this time from a big right hook. Howells showed heart to stay in there and have a go, but McIntosh proved a level above, showing better power and boxing ability.

In the ninth round, McIntosh nearly ended the night early, as Howells went crashing down again from another combination, but he managed to see it through to the final bell. After ten rounds of intense boxing. McIntosh’s hand was raised as the new champion. 

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to win the title, this has been a lifelong goal of mine and I feel on top of the world. I owe so much to Bideford Boxing Club and will be forever grateful. Although my roots go back to Port Talbot, it's been a team effort throughout.

“I retired from my amateur career at 23 years of age and it was Richard Grigg who talked me into boxing again and said I could achieve at least a Welsh Title. So, I turned professional with him in 2021 and here I am today, accomplishing my goal and anything else I achieve in my boxing career now is a bonus."

The good news for North Devon boxing also extended to Barum Boxing Club, who are celebrating victory for Liam Davis, who has been crowned the Western Counties champion after an exemplary display of boxing. The full story of Liam’s success will be in next week’s North Devon Gazette.

There are further congratulations for Becky Slade, who has passed her latest judging course and will now look to progress to judging in Championship bouts. Becky’s dedication sums up the commitment of everyone at Barum Boxing Club.

One of the beneficiaries has been Ollie Lee, who further developed his skills in the ring with a training session alongside England coach Ian Tennant as part of the England Boxing Pathway squad. Well done Ollie.