Southend ABC are about to hit the Essex ABA Championships with a bunch off fives.

Southend captain John Cullinane and Hussein Hahdavian will spearhead the club's attempt for glory.

Schoolboys Luke Clark, Jordan Gosling and Mikey Hanger round off the seaside quintet contesting the county Amateur Boxing Association event on January 24, promoted by Tilbury ABC.

"Callinane will defend his Essex middleweight title and both he and heavyweight Mahdavian are looking impressive in the gym training," said Southend spokesman Ron McKenna.

"They are looking forward to their attempts at winning the Essex championships."

Callinane is fresh from a four-month holiday around Australasia and will be looking for a hat-trick of Essex win after his middleweight win last year and light-middle title in 2001.

Mahdavian has recently joined the Lifstan Way club from Corringham ABC and is hoping to rule the county again.

He lost his Essex title last year on a majority verdict despite flooring his opponent twice in the county final.

Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003

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