Islington Boxing Club duo among first-ever winners of English title belts

Islington BC's Sherif Musah with the England Boxing Elite heavyweight belt. Pic: England Boxing (Image: Archant)

Brown, who won the organisation’s national light-welterweight title last year, added the newly-created championship belt to her collection by defeating Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Alanna Murphy on a split decision.

And there was a second success for the Hazellville Road club as Musah – in only his second contest at 91kg – secured the heavyweight belt with victory over Gary Daley (Southend ABC).

Brown was first into the ring against Murphy, who was competing in her 100th amateur bout and did her best to stifle the Islington boxer’s rhythm by holding.

Although Murphy, representing the Army, managed to land some head shots in the later rounds, Brown’s work-rate and cleaner scoring punches were enough to earn her a majority verdict from the judges.

Musah, who won the national development light-heavyweight title in 2014 before moving up recently, found it hard to make progress against a taller and more experienced opponent.

Although he was outworked during the first round, Musah upped his game in the second and finished strongly, landing the cleaner shots to both head and body as the contest drew to a close.

Most observers agreed that the fight was a close one – but it was Musah’s hand that was raised at the bell and the Southend man took the decision in good grace.

Both Brown and Musah will be asked to defend their newly-won titles within 28 days, with three successful defences enabling them to keep the belts permanently.