Banbury boxers complete hat-trick of victories and secure Oxford area title at boxing show

The Team 180 squad, led by coaches Rob and Charlotte Allen, travelled to South Moreton near Didcot to compete at South Moreton Boxing Club’s 20th anniversary show.

First to enter the ring for the Banbury team was Anthony Philips-Loxton, who faced Rich Lewis in what proved to be an action-packed contest.

Both boxers came out of the blocks at 100 miles per hour, producing a fast-paced opening round that immediately set the tone for an entertaining fight.

Despite the intense pace of the contest, the Banbury boxer followed instructions from his corner and boxed rounds two and three as instructed to secure a well-earned unanimous decision victory.

Next up for Team 180 was hard-hitting Tom “Bang Bang” Sheasby, who lived up to his nickname with an impressive performance.

From the opening bell, Sheasby refused to let his opponent, Harvey Thomas-Constantiniou, off the hook, applying constant pressure and landing heavy shots.

The Banbury boxer’s relentless approach eventually paid dividends in the third round when he dropped his opponent with a big shot.

Showing bravery, but still clearly hurt, Thomas-Constantiniou made the count but soon came under another sustained attack from Sheasby.

With Thomas-Constantiniou unable to safely continue, the referee stepped in and stopped the contest, declaring Sheasby the winner by third-round stoppage.

Last to enter the ring for Team 180 was Masters world champion Marlon “Mr Magic” Gray-Deacon.

With victories already secured against many of the top boxers in his category, Gray-Deacon was forced to step up in weight to compete for the Oxford Area Light-Middleweight title against veteran Kane Mallinson of Chippenham.

With scores of contests to his name, the rugged and experienced Mallinson threw everything but the kitchen sink at the Banbury athlete in the opening rounds of the scheduled five-round contest.

However, once again, a Banbury boxer lived up to his nickname and put in a display of movement and precision punching to score point after point.

Gray-Deacon’s slick footwork kept him out of range of Mallinson’s heaviest shots, while allowing him to close the distance when needed to repeatedly find his target with sharp, straight punches.

As the five-round title fight continued, Banbury’s Mr Magic was able to frustrate Mallinson with his movement and accuracy and began to control the contest.

In the fifth and final round, Gray-Deacon produced the decisive moment, launching a five-punch combination that sent Mallinson crashing to the canvas.

With the veteran boxer unable to continue, the referee called a halt to the contest, crowning Marlon Gray-Deacon the new Oxford Area Light-Middleweight Champion.

The night was one to remember for the Banbury team, who completed a perfect three wins from three.

Team 180 coaches Rob and Charlotte Allen thanked everyone who travelled down to support the squad and expressed their pride in all three boxers.

They also praised the fighters for the hard work they had put in at the gym and said the performances were a true reflection of their dedication and preparation.