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Historic double for Fox fighters

8/12/2005

ANTHONY Crolla and Denton Vassell both emerged victorious from their ABA title fights at the weekend

The double meant Crolla and Vassell, both of Fox ABC, became the first Manchester club-mates to boast ABA titles at the same time.

Crolla, who combines an MVQ in brickwork and construction with fighting skills as a student at Hopwood Hall College's boxing academy, beat army fighter Chris Pacy to lift the ABA lightweight belt with a convincing score of 29-16.

Against a southpaw opponent, Crolla boxed as well as he has ever done, catching Pacy with impressive right-hand punches and left hooks.

Pacy was always looking to come forward, but Crolla outmanoeuvred him at every turn and his superior boxing skills were evident throughout the four-round fight.

Pacy's determination to defend his crown was evident in a brave display, but he was unable to match Crolla who won every round.

Vassell also fought an army boxer of the southpaw variety in Brett Flournoy, holder of the welterweight title.

In a closely-contested fight the deciding factor was Vassell's constant aggression. Though the scoring was tight - Vassell won 17-14 after four rounds - the Fox fighter was always on top and edged every round, cutting off Flournoy and allowing him no time to settle in the contest.

Fox coach Jimmy Lewis said: "Both lads fought brilliantly, I'm proud of them both.

"The last time we had an ABA title-holder was back in 1986 when Joey Jacobs held the lightweight crown.

"To have two ABA title holders at the same time is unbelievable. It speaks volumes for the quality of the two lads and the team here and thanks must go to assistant coach Lee Haynes and Alex of our backroom team."