HARWICH Boxing Club head coach Martin Webb hailed the explosive return of Rio Gordon after the former junior champion played a starring role at the club's home show in Colchester.

The former national junior novice champion was competing for the first time in 15 months, against West Ham ABC's Reece Collins, at the Weston Homes Community Stadium on Saturday night.

Despite being up against a former national champion and England international, the 17-year-old piled on the pressure to be crowned a unanimous points winner.

His efforts also saw him adjudged the best host club boxer on the night.

"All the Harwich coaches were really pleased to score six wins from eight overall, with Rio's performance a standout," said Webb.

"Considering the quality of opposition, his new lower weight category and his length of ring absence due to injury, his return was most impressive.

"He now boxes in the East Anglian final in Tilbury on February 3 and, on this form, he can do well."

Other big highlights for Harwich included Pat Allen Cripps taking the spoils on a unanimous points decision against Attleborough ABC's Ezra Arenyeka.

Fifteen-year-old Jack Farrow enjoyed a split verdict to record a much-needed win against George Plumb, from Gateway ABC.

There was a first win for 17-year-old Sam Campbell, a unanimous points decision for Leo Carty and a victory for newcomer Leo Baxter against Centurions puncher Aaron Eles.

"It was good to see Jack bounce back after suffering a poor run of form to also record a significant, albeit close win against another quality opponent," added Webb.

"Pat kept the momentum of his season going with a workmanlike win, but will now drop back down a weight and campaign at the light heavyweight category for the rest of the season.

"Overall, it was good to see so much strength in depth from the club, with some of the new kids coming through so well."