Camden Sports - STEVE BARNETT Published: 30 October 2008
Islington Boxing Club’s Darren Ballinger, right, defeated Julius Elie, left
Dazzling! Ballinger makes point in lightweight win
THERE were mixed fortunes for two fighters from Islington Boxing Club this week in their latest outing at the Hayes Working Men’s Club.
Lightweight Darren Ballinger demonstrated some excellent movement and fast hands against Julius Elie of Camberley ABC.
Ballinger opened up a healthy lead in the first round as he manoeuvred himself around the ring, picking off his opponent with a series of sharp, straight punches.
In a hard-fought battle, the talented 25-year-old showed great resistance throughout the second, before putting in a strong finish in the final round to claim a narrow points victory.
Meanwhile, Akram Ibrahim, who also trains at Islington Boxing Club in Archway, returned to the ring when he took on Epsom’s Brian Halford over three gruelling rounds.
The 22-year-old was up against it from the first bell as the ever-advancing Halford set a fast and furious pace.
Having struggled in the opening exchanges, Ibrahim took the initiative with some good combinations in the second round until he was caught with a sweeping right hook that forced the Islington man to take the mandatory standing count.
An inspired Halford continued to surge forward in the final round, earning a convincing points victory to successfully defend his unbeaten record.