Channel Island boxers defeated but positive

Monday 13 December 2021

Bailiwick boxers Billy Le Poullain and Tom Teers were in national finals this weekend - and both are positive about the experience, and their future, despite defeats.

Billy Le Poullain, known as the 'Alderney Assassin' in the ring, was the first boxer from the Bailiwick to reach the finals of the National Amateur Championship in the 75kg category.

On Saturday, Le Poullain faced Ramtin Musah, who is becoming something of a nemesis for the Alderney-raised 25-year-old. Going into the fight, Musah was the last opponent to beat Le Poullain, and that was two years ago.

Le Poullain went into the final off the back of a winning streak having made a superb return to competitive boxing following disruption and breaks caused by the covid-19 pandemic. 

He is aiming to go professional before the Paris Olympics in 2024 and is already being assessed by Team GB coaches.

With those opportunities at his fingertips, and a place in Guernsey's team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games already confirmed, Le Poullain is positive despite the weekend's loss.

Tom Teers was also in action in East London on Saturday.

He had reached the final of the Senior Development 52kg competition, in which he lost on a split decision to Acocks Green’s Jaden Cayenne.

After his final fight, Teers said he was "truly gutted to have a 3-2 split decision loss to Jaden in the Senior Development final" but also said it was "an amazing experience and a class fight" and "can’t wait for my next fight". 

Le Poullain and Teers train with the Guernsey Amalgamated Boxing Club, including coach Ben Duff.

The Club praised both boxers and said that reaching their finals was an "absolutely amazing achievement for our small island."