St Mary’s Student Wins Sixth Boxing Title

A Sport Science and Management Studies student at St Mary’s University, Twickenham was recently crowned England’s Senior Elite Boxing Champion. Joshua Buatsi, who is in his second year of study at St Mary’s, competed in the 2014 England Boxing Elite Championship Finals in Liverpool. His recent win has notched him his sixth national title, including two junior Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) titles in two different weight categories. After winning the London finals to secure his place in the championships, Joshua had to undergo intense training, including running, sparring, skipping and strength and conditioning. It prepared him for the three matches he had to participate in - the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final round. It was the semi-final match that was the most significant as this is stage in which he had lost in the previous year. This year Joshua won all his fights in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and the final round, putting him in a strong position to represent England in the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Joshua said, “I am honestly grateful to God for helping me win this championship. I thank everyone for all their support and prayers, my trainers for the time they invested, and everyone from my boxing club South Norwood and Victory Amateur Boxing Club. “Not only did I win but we all did, and the journey continues.” The match will be broadcasted on Sky Sports 2 on Friday 2nd May at 8pm.