They breed them tough in the former Soviet Union, but not quite tough enough in the case of Lithuainian boxer Yuri Mingevski, who suffered a one-sided drubbing at the hands of Halstead Boxing Club’s Ayhan Halim in an International contest staged at the Circus Tavern in Purfleet.

It was thought that the stocky southpaw Mingevski would provide a serious test of Halim’s European Semi-Pro title ambitions, but it was not to be as the Hedingham man blitzed his way to a unamimous three round points victory with ease.

Halim, no doubt aware of his opponent’s hardman reputation, started cautiously in the first round and boxed well within himself behind his ever-improving jab, and showing a previously unseen cultured defence, covered up nicely whenever the Lithuainian threatened with big hooks.

Round two saw Halim close the gap quickly and open up with a blistering attack of hooks and uppercuts with floored Mingevski three times, and it looked at one stage as if a stoppage victory was on the cards.

His opponent, however, did very well to survive the round.

With Halim so far ahead on the scorecards courtesy of the knockdowns, he opted to take no chances in the final round and boxed and moved nicely to secure the verdict to improve his record to ten wins against just two defeats and a draw.

Halim is now chasing either a British or European title shot, although a defence of his Southern Area semi-pro belt may come first.

l Meanwhile, Harwich ABC closed the year on a high, with a great home show in early December being a highlight, with six home winners from seven.

However, behind the scenes of this thriving club, there have also been a number of developments. Junior boxers Joey Avenell and Billy Cannon won a training day with the Royal Marines in Portsmouth. Both boys were put through their paces as they enjoyed tough fitness training, coupled with specialist skills boxing tuition.

Two club trainers recently travelled to Newham, London to undertake an ABAE tutor course. John Cousins and Marcus Poston passed with flying colors and now both assist in running children’s introductory sessions on Wednesday nights between 6pm and 7.15pm.

Finally, head coach Martin Webb’s endeavors over the years have been rewarded, as he received a presentation for a Jack Petchey foundation leadership award. In addition to a keepsake certificate and medal, the club received a cheque for £1,000 that will go towards new equipment.