Michael Ford took America by storm with an exhilarating performance for Finchley ABC select team against Nevada Partners in the boxing capital of the world ,, Las Vegas.

Three times national schoolboy champion, stylish 16-year-old Ford was up against America's No1 Dominic Chavez, nephew of one of the all-time greats, former world champion Julio Caesar Chavez. But he simply outclassed his bemused opponent for an easy points win that earned him the Boxer of the Tournament award, a huge three-foot trophy.

World renowned referee Richard Steele, host to Finchley's party, rated Ford as a Sugar Ray Robinson in the making. Some compliment ,, Robinson is ranked as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the history of boxing, and was world champion at a variety of weights.

'Michael was feted by the Americans who took him on a tour of Las Vegas as though he were the king,' said Finchley trainer John Oliver. 'Richard Steeele was particularly impressed and wants him to return to the USA. Ford is to captain the English Schools' team in Russia in July, and on his return home joined in the squad training.

Making his ring debut, 12-year-old Tommy Houlihan got off to a winning start with a smart points victory over a more experienced rival to earn the trophy as Finchley's best boxer.

But the Londoners lost the next seven bouts to trail 7-1.

However, they fought back with great spirit, scoring some high quality wins and reducing the final margin to 10-7.

Other winners for Finchley were Luke Calvert, Albert Bibby, Roman Greenberg, John O'Donnell and Martin O'Donnell.

Former European junior heavyweight champion, 17-year-old Greenberg produced some explosive punching, felling his rival twice, for an easy points victory. He was due to represent Israel against London at the Hilton Hotel last night (Wednesday).

Calvert triumphed in a tremendous all-action contest, and Bibby won in one of the fights of the night.

Unlucky Jo Smyth lost on a majority decision 3-2, in another terrific contest that had the crowd on their feet.

by JOHN POLLARD

Winning smile: Michael Ford with his trophies

Photo: J MACDONALD-FULTON

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