BRAINTREE Boxing Club headed into 2017 strongly with four boxers competing for them at the Sudbury Open Show.

Shane Pavitt was matched against Brandon Stracey of Devonport ABC, an opponent with three times more experience and a fearsome reputation as a tenacious performer.

Undeterred, Pavitt lived up to his own increasing reputation and immediately set the pace and flew into an early lead on the judges scorecards.

In the opening seconds, the aggressive Stracey rushed forward but was countered with a powerful left hook that knocked him backwards and visibly troubled him.

Sensing he was hurt, Pavitt opened up with a great combination, catching the quick Stracey with solid punches to his head and forcing him to hold on.

The second round continued with both boxers trading strong punches, but Pavitt managed to maintain his composure and again caught Stracey with a thudding left hook, followed up by two solid right hands.

To finish the round, Pavitt landed a great left hook to the body that sent Stracey into the ropes.

The final round was even more intense, as Stracey tried everything to turn the tide.

He was unsuccessful, though, as the young Braintree boxer refused to be denied.

Pavitt continued to land stiff jabs throughout the third round and launched several attacks that had Stracey reeling.

In a magnificent victory, Pavitt was awarded a tremendous unanimous points win.

In the next bout, Joe Bryant again demonstrated why he is fast becoming one to avoid, as he notched up another fine performance against an older, more experienced and heavier opponent in Harry Weador from Trumpington Boxing Club.

Demonstrating that he can box, as well as brawl, Bryant showed increased maturity in the first two rounds and boxed with improved guile by consistently countering his tough opponent, and shaking him up with some very strong right hands.

In addition to this, Bryant out-landed Weador with his jab, tied him up on the inside and knocked his head back with a great right hook that made his knees dip and nearly resulted in a knockdown.

At the end of the second round, Bryant was two rounds up and clearly in control.

The final round was much the same with the commanding Bryant setting the pace, and forcing Weador to continually hold as he tired.

In an effort to finish strongly, Bryant again landed solid punches to his opponent's head and caught him with a flush right hand.

The final bell sounded with Bryant winning by a unanimous points decision to maintain his undefeated record.

Also in action for Braintree were Jason Windsor and junior squad member, Tommy Day.

Both boxers fought very well in tough bouts, demonstrating excellent composure, work rate and skill in two fine performances, that provided further great results for the club in a very successful day of boxing.