Bushey’s Liam Shinkwin is the new Southern Area Lightweight champion after beating Ryan Taylor in an entertaining bout at Wembley Arena last night.

Shinkwin’s superior boxing skills ensured the former Bushey Meads pupil recorded a 97-94 victory against the heavier-handed Taylor.

It was Shinkwin’s first fight in more than ten months and whilst his new, and respected, trainer Gary Logan suggested an easier fight for their first bout together, he was confident he could secure the title.

Taylor had knocked Shinkwin down during sparring four years ago, prior to the former Bushey Boxing Club member’s professional debut, and the Upminster fighter showed why he is known as ‘Crash Bang’ with some big shots on his way to winning the first round.

Shinkwin knew going into the fight that it might take him a round or two to remove the ring rust but he also showed he had punching power as he won the second round.

Taylor picked up a couple of the middle rounds when he landed big punches but Shinkwin showed the better boxing ability and it paid dividends as he developed a lead.

It was a great and entertaining fight which ended with referee John Keane raising the hand of Bushey’s Shinkwin.

Winning the Southern Area Lightweight crown had added significance for Shinkwin as his uncle Shaun had unsuccessfully fought for the same title 20 years ago at Watford Town Hall. It was a win for the family Shinkwin said afterwards.

There will be reaction from the victorious Shinkwin in the coming days.