The Galleon - Portsmouth's Official Student Newspaper

Portsmouth University were victorious in their boxing show at Liquid nightclub on Tuesday 16th November – winning seven of nine bouts.

The night was by no means an easy ride for the boys, with Sayeed Farhat and Sam Milner in particular involved in two real battles that challenged both their determination and style.

Sayeed Farhat came out to the ring with an electric-guitar riff backing him all the way; causing a vibration of excitement as the night got under way. This bout opened with a flurry of tough punches landed by Farhat on Basingstoke’s Jay Gabriel and became a true battle of wills as the bout grew on. Against stern opposition, Farhat kept his opponent on the back foot for much of the first round, though finding some trouble in the second when staying inside and getting caught a little too often. In the third round, the game was up with Farhat making sure there was enough power in his landed punches to secure the win on points against strong opposition. It was a well contested bout and great to open the show with.

Welterweight Sam Milner was up next; winning on points against Isle of Wight Venter’s G. Borat; who came with an extremely awkward style. It was a difficult opening round for Milner, taking some punishment back with him to the stool as Borat’s unconventional style dictated the pace. Coming out in the second round however, Sam absolutely dominated with a classy display that he upheld in the third landing several clean and powerful shots that left Borat both bloody and frustrated. Sam won the bout on points.

Demonstrating exciting skill and tremendous power on the night for Portsmouth University was Giovanni Kgiannakou. He won with a stoppage win to provide another victory against HOP’S G. Whitey. There was a tremendous authority propelled in Giovanni’s jabs which, on one occasion, left his opponent momentarily airborne. The exciting Pompey boxer stalked G. Whitey around the ring, applying great pressure and movement; landing three dynamite punches in succession before the referee stopped the bout in round 1. It was a stunning stoppage success, both for Giovanni, and the Portsmouth University. Asked whether Giovanni’s emphatic win caused him any surprise, Portsmouth University boxing coach Wayne Gardiner replied ‘No, not at all. Honestly, I knew this would happen as Deano (Giovanni) is a fresher-boxer with great potential. He has come into the club already fit and healthy; he has got a natural ability and will be representing Portsmouth University in the upcoming championships this December’.

Other victories on the night were captured by Paul Johnson, Rupesh Naye , Tom Wilkey [awarded Best Boxer of the Night] and Heath Muchena. With Yannick Foh and James White losing on points decision.
The Portsmouth University boxing team are hosting the English University Championships on Dec 11th-12th in Nuffield sports hall. They are three years running English team Champions and are looking for the fourth title in a row.