Three Essex University boxers travelled to London to contest the Mayor’s Cup and provide support bouts in the London NW versus Southern Counties team match.

First on was welterweight Aaron Spenner, who was so unlucky in losing a split verdict to Basingstoke’s Jacob Gabriel, rated seventh in the UK.

Spenner, representing London NW, gave a cool textbook display of boxing.

From the opening bell, he took the centre spot and forced the pace from counter-puncher Gabriel.

Showing good movement and fast hand speed, the University boxer’s left hand was accurate and purposeful keeping the Southern counties representative always on his back foot.

This was a good round for Spenner and he went into the second eager to keep charge of the action.

Gabriel stepped forward trying to land heavier right hands.

These were falling short and allowed the Tiptree boxer to connect to the body before hitting to the head with combination punches.

Dropping his hands slightly allowed Gabriel to land a heavy right cross that briefly shook Spenner before the round ended but the bell went before any further action took place.

The last round was a see-saw of action that had Spenner matching if not beating Gabriel to the punch.

This was a good round for both boxers showing high levels of skill but Spenner’s workrate looked to have taken the verdict at the final bell but it was not to be, once again losing on another 2-1 verdict.

Light heavyweight Dan Azeez displayed skill and punching power dominating Dale Youth’s highly-regarded Matthew Tinker over three rounds in a chief support bout.

Southpaw Tinker is another rated UK boxer, who won the 2014 Haringey Gold Elite, but he was outpunched by Azeez repeatedly.

Allowing Tinker to take the centre of the ring, Azeez just kept his movement and left jab landing while catching what Tinker had to offer.

A fast right cross landed flush on Tinker letting him know who he was in with.

Azeez steered the action for the first round never allowing his opponent any advantage.

The second round was a big round for Azeez.

His confidence growing, he was landing stronger right hand punches before dropping Tinker to the canvas for a standing eight count after lining him up with a left jab and right cross.

Azeez kept the pressure on to finish the round on top.

The Dale Youth boxer knew he had work to do and from the opening bell pushed forward but the Essex Uni boxer kept the left hand and right cross landing and steadied the action.

Tinker rushed forward and for a brief spell in the final round was on top of the action.

The University camp were then surprised when the split verdict was announced for Tinker.

Heavyweight Rahim Lake continued his fast learning progress against Islington’s Michel Szczepkowski.

Fresh from a stoppage win last week, the Essex Uni power puncher wanted to shine in the company of his fellow club-mates.

Leading the action from the centre, Lake was accurate with his left hand.

Midway through the round, a big right cross landed on the Islington boxer and shook him up and forced him to grab hold to try to stem the onslaught.

This served notice on Szczepkowski to keep his distance.

The second had Lake settled, trying to connect with the right uppercut as his opponent kept dropping his head.

This was another good round for Lake and he went into the third with increased intensity.

The Islington boxer resisted the pressure and was successful in connecting with an overhand right after Lake dropped his left but could not sustain the pressure and gave the Essex University boxer the decision by another split verdict.