Proud local golds in the Barum Box Cup

Megan-Dee Woods, a Year 10 pupil from Pilton Community College, secured her third gold medal in three weeks at the Barum Box Cup in Ilfracombe, while there was more local glory for Liam Davis.

Barum Boxing Club in Mill Street, Barnstaple had two boxers involved, and both Liam and Megan returned with Gold, delivering what can only be described as superb performances! Of course, it takes quality opposition to bring out the best, and they certainly rose to the occasion.

The Barum Box Cup 2024 welcomed over four hundred boxers from England, Ireland, and the continent participating.

Megan boxed on Saturday in her semi-final against a good opponent, Daisy Constable from the Counter Punch ABC, in an all-action bout. She’s really starting to listen, control her range, and pick her shots with precision. Her unanimous win showed just how far she’s come. 

In Sunday’s final, Megan faced another tough, exciting bout against Darcy Cooper from the Golden Ring ABC.  Both girls dug deep, but Megan’s crunching body shots and combinations in threes secured her second unanimous decision and gold medal.  She also was awarded the coveted belt for Best Female Boxer of the Tournament! With some top-quality female competitors in the event, Megan’s consistency and skill were undeniable. 

Barum’s Liam Davis has always been an exceptional talent, and his 50th bout was a true testament to that. He’s faced anyone and everyone, his fight record reading like a “who’s who” of boxing both here and in Europe.

After numerous setbacks, it all came together in this bout. Against a very skilled and game opponent, Liam put on a clinic, including a huge left hook in the second round that earned his opponent a standing count. The third round saw his opponent come out firing, but Liam had all the answers, securing a unanimous win to become the Barum Box Cup 60kg champion.

We are so very proud of you both. You are a credit to the sport and our club, embodying everything we stand for—resilience, dedication, and the ability to overcome challenges. Setbacks will come, but you’ve shown that hard work pays off. This season, you’ll reap the rewards of all that effort.