This annual event features more than 500 boxers, making it the biggest event of its kind in Europe. Booth weighed in under the bantamweight division (51-54kg) at 53.9kg, eager to impress in the senior elite division at class A, the top catagory for boxers of her experience. She faced Sara Rae-Joy from Basel Boxing Club in Switzerland, a very experienced opponent who Booth had faced in the 2013 Haringey Box Cup. Coach Jon Mills said Rae-Joy was more cagey in a very close first round with neither boxer landing many clean shots. The second round was very much the same with both girls still trying to find their range and tempo. Mills said: “In the third we told Ellie to double up on her jab and follow with the big overhand right as Sara was keeping a very low left hand, and this worked to good effect with Ellie winning this round, in our eyes anyway. “The last round was more frenetic with both girls chasing each other down as they knew it was close and both landed some good shots – another round that could have gone either way.” St Gerards coach Gerry Lavelle said: “We were very very proud of Ellie’s performance as she hadn’t boxed for a year since the last Box Cup and missed out on a big female event in London two weeks ago as her opponent pulled out. “The judges announced a split decision in Sara’s favour and we readily accepted that. Ellie was a little dissapointed, but considering her long lay-off she did herself and the club proud. “As a club we now look forward to the new and upcoming season.” “Anyone willing to sponsor St Gerards, help an individual boxer or help the club find a permanent home can contact Gerry on 01243 251248 or can call in at the club any Tuesday or Thursday between 6pm and 8pm. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1 Make this website your homepage 2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex 3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex 4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!