GLENN BODEN proved he was the better man in all departments when he kicked off his Queensbury Boxing League career with an impressive victory over the experienced Robin Deakin at the Effingham Park Hotel in West Sussex.
The talented 26-year-old, from New Addington, was entering the contest off the back of an impressive run outside of the league, during which he had amassed a perfect undefeated ledger after eight fights.
And Boden continued his impressive run by beating the 50-fight veteran to announce his arrival as one of the most exciting lightweight boxers in the UK's premier league.
From the opening bell of the contest, it was clear that former professional Deakin was intent on trying to drag the New Addington native into a toe-to-toe scrap as he showboated around the ring, goading Boden with his hands held low and tongue sticking out.
But Boden showed great composure as he calmly walked forward and unleashed fast combinations that got the attention of the showman.
As the contest progressed, it was clear that Boden was the superior operator in all departments as he systematically stalked his man around the ring, catching him to both head and body with some hurtful looking shots.
And he also showed he could take it back from Deakin as he was caught with the occasional wild swinging counter that he walked straight through.
As the final bell rang out, it was clear that the only way Deakin was in with a chance of winning the contest was if the judges were awarding him points for showboating, but it was not the case and Boden was declared the winner by a unanimous points decision.
"I think I performed really well in there and I'm very happy with my debut in the league," said Boden.
"He was obviously trying to drag me into a war with his antics and I just kept my composure, boxed well and I think it was clear I dominated every round.
"The one thing I was surprised about was how strong he was. I hit him with some big shots to the head and body, which would have stopped most lightweights out there, so I had to give him some credit for that.
"Now I'm just looking forward to getting straight back into the gym and keeping busy and let's see what the league have in store for me next year."
With Boden's fight scheduled to be shown on satellite sports channel Eurosport early this month, he looks all set to become the next big boxing star to emerge from Croydon.
