It proved to be a mixed night for Islington Boxing Club fighters as they represented London in a team match against an elite Army squad in Hereford on Friday.

Islington Gazette: Islington's John McDonagh with coach Barry Healy (pic Islington BC)Islington's John McDonagh with coach Barry Healy (pic Islington BC) (Image: Archant)

The ever-improving Masood Abdullah (60kg) got the better of Jordan Bracken for the second time in a month, as he controlled the action throughout.

Abdullah caught his rival with strong head shots during the three-round contest and was a comfortable winner at the bell.

And the Islington member claimed the boxer of the night award for his efforts, however, he was the only London winner as the squad fell to a 4-1 defeat.

Clubmate Lamin Conteh (70kg) lost a split decision to Sean Eng, which was also the second meeting between the two welterweights.

Conteh took the opening round, but the second and third rounds of the elite contest were much closer and the five ringside judges came down in favour of the Army man.

There was some small crumb of comfort for Conteh, though, as he was named ‘most gallant boxer of the night’.

Abdullah is back in action for London tomorrow (Friday), as they take on an Army development team at Croydon’s Hilton Hotel.

Islington team-mate Byron Cox will also be in action for the squad in a 56kg contest.

The 14-year-old John McDonagh (55kg) made his club debut for Islington on the London Community Boxing show held at the Harris Academy in Peckham, south London on Saturday afternoon.

But it proved a frustrating first time outing for McDonagh as he lost a unanimous decision against Rahim Ali (Left Hook ABC).

*Unbeaten Kentish Town welterweight Kian Thomas will be going in search of his ninth win as a professional when he steps back into the ring on a Goodwin Promotion at Bethnal Green’s prestigious York Hall on Saturday.

Thomas claimed the fourth stoppage win of his career when he knocked out Hungarian rival Ferenc Katona in the fourth round of their contest at Wembley Arena last month, as George Groves defended his WBA world super-middleweight title against Jamie Cox.

And the 26-year-old will be looking to maintain his winning momentum against a selected opponent this weekend.