Heavyweight boxing champion PJ Stubbs advances in ABAs

PJ Stubbs, who has defended the Yorkshire amateur heavyweight crown three times, faced a tough Amateur Boxing Association fight against Doncaster Heavyweight Anton Anthony, regarded as one of the toughest boxers in the country.

Anthony came out on the attack, and put in a very aggressive first round display, but was matched by Stubbs, and the pair continued to trade punches, fighting toe to toe for the majority of the match. Stubbs eventually won the match on referee’s decision, and goes on to fight a Liverpool heavyweight in the quarter finals in Chesterfield.

Stubbs’ coach Jon Lewis said: “Pj boxed really well. He had to, as the other lad was a top drawer fighter. He was a lot older, tougher and hard as nails. If he (PJ) goes on to win the Amateur Boxing Association’s Championships, he’ll be the best in the country. A lot of it is up to him now.”

Also fighting was Harrogate lightweight boxer Will Simpson, who just missed out on proceeding to the quarter finals after losing to Leeds boxer Ashley Vanzie.