Stubbs bounces back from defeat

THOMAS STUBBS

THOMAS STUBBS, the two-time ABA champion, is determined to “come back stronger” after his last-32 defeat at the World Championships in Italy.

The 19-year-old Chadderton boxer was beaten 11-2 on points by Ronald Serugo, from Uganda.

But Stubbs, who is aiming for a third consecutive ABA title in the 48kg division, is confident he would have beaten his second-round opponent on another day.

“The tactics were all wrong,” said the London Olympics hopeful. “I like to box off the back foot, but I was told to come forward, which isn’t my style.

“I was disappointed, because I would have beaten him otherwise, but it’s all good experience and hopefully I’ll come back stronger.”

Stubbs is glad to be home after three weeks in Europe. He spent a few days at a training camp in France, before heading to Milan.

He is now dividing his time between Chadderton and the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where he spends fours days a week as part of the Great Britain Podium and Development Squad for the 2012 Olympics.

He went on: “I’m usually up at 7am to go running, followed by gym, sparring and technique sessions at 10.30am, 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

“It’s a busy day and in many ways it’s like a full-time job.”

After the retirement of Darren Langley, Stubbs is rated the number one light-flyweight in England and in pole position to be selected for next year’s Commonwealth Games in India.

But before he can consider a trip to Delhi, he has the Commonwealth Federation and European Championships as well as another shot at the ABAs.