Harwich boxers in gold glory at Alexandra Palace

Leading the way was England international, light heavyweight Patrick Allen Cripps, in the 81kg light heavyweight division.

After beating Al Martinsen from Oslo, Norway, in his quarter-final, his semi-final contest saw him pitched against Klinton Baptiste from Hoddesdon ABC. Cripps’ excellent ringcraft, yet again frustrated his opponent as he moved his way into the final with another 5-0 unanimous points decision.

In a repeat of the 2017 final at 81kg, Cripps looked to mirror his win 12 months earlier against old rival Omar Augustine from Earlsfield ABC.

Cripps oozed confidence as he made the ever-advancing Londoner miss time and time again only to be punished with slick counterpunches, taking a deserved gold on a unanimous 5-0 points decision.

Rio Gordon, 17, stole the show with three outstanding performances in the class A youth under-69kg category. In his quarter-final, Gordon forced a standing eight count in the opening minute against Eddie Croft from Henry’s Gym ABC, York. A unanimous points decision followed.

His semi-final would be an epic affair against Hoddeson’s Jake Henty, an established England international at junior level. Southpaw Henty was always in the hunt but Gordon progressed on a 4-1 split. In the final was Taylor Bevan from Poseidon ABC, in Southampton. In a fine display of determination, Gordon bulled forward non-stop as he took gold.

Not to be outdone, Gordon’s brother, welterweight Paul Gordon also looked to secure gold.

The quarter final would see him pitched against old rival Reese Wade from Essex Uni. After beating him, Calum Hill from the Army provided the opposition. He was hampered by a cut eye he received in his quarter final win and the fight was stopped.

Blocking his way in the final would be Dean Walsh, a former 2015 elite European bronze medallist.

Unfazed, Gordon matched the Irishman in every department and dug deep to squeeze out victory.