Sunderland ABC's Atkinson boxes his way to national title

Jack travelled to Bridlington on Saturday to take on Joel Bartell (Guildford City ABC).

The Silksworth boxer faced Bartell, who had an impressive record of 11 wins from his 14 bouts.

Jack took the fight to the strong heavy handed London Boy, and with some clinical jabs, worked his way inside range and caught Bartell with some good combinations that hurt Bartell.

Atkinson did just the same in the second round and looked the better fighter throughout.

Bartell responded in the third and final round, but Atkinson turned the screw and landed home some heavy shots.

Atkinson celebrated when the judges awarded him the split decision to cap off a fantastic season.

Although relatively a novice, having had only five amateur contests and winning the 75kg NABGC championship, and it was well deserved.

Coach Joe Purvis said: “I believe Jack had all the strength and skills to take the title and it caps off a good 2018 for Sunderland ABC.

“For Jack to take his first title, and Kieran Macdonald continuing his quest for title success, everything is looking good for the club.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland ABC have Kieran Macdonald is going all out to fulfill his dream and gain selection to represent GB at the Olympics.

But first, Macdonald - a 52kg double senior ABA champion and GB podium boxer - must take on Scotland’s number one Mathew Mchale.

Mchale is also trying to secure the title to also gain a GB squad place.

Macdonald, who is also sponsored by Arktek, will fight Mchale for the title at the Institute of Sport in Sheffield this Thursday, December 6.

Tickets for the bout are available online via ticketsdirect.org/gbchamps.