A 30-PUNCH barrage just seconds from the final bell proved enough to secure Cardigan ABC boxer Ianto Lloyd his first-ever victory against the reigning 2019 WABA champion in his final bout of the season.
A late night phone call and spur-of-the-moment decision had seen the 10-year-old Synod Inn schoolboy take on Barry’s reigning 36kg WABA champion Frazier Cayton (Eastend ABC) in what proved an all-action bout at Bridgend.
Despite being the underdog, the Ysgol Bro Sion Cwilt pupil was immediately on the front foot, working behind powerful straight shots.
Although Cayton rallied mid-round, the session finished much as it started with the higher quality and work-rate coming from the Cardigan novice.
Round two saw Cayton enjoy early success countering, only for his inspired opponent to again settle into a rhythm – boxing and moving behind a high-quality hurtful jab while working to body and head.
With over 400 punches already exchanged, the pace inevitably dropped in round three and Cayton’s greater weight and strength was beginning to tell until that last-ditch effort saw Lloyd drive his man back into the ropes and let both hands fly in a 30-punch barrage that pinned the Welsh champion in the blue corner to the final bell.
The jubilant Cardigan team felt this desperate, all-out attack may have made all the difference in earning Lloyd an emotional first win in fine style.