Sameera Takes Honos at Layton Cup Boxing Meet

A very high standard of boxing was witnessed during the period of 18th to 21st August at the Suagathadasa Stadium in Colombo at the 71st Layton Cup Trophy Boxing Tournament

The increased participation of clubs and pugilists, both men and women in all weight categories can attest to the enthusiasm shown for the Boxing in Sri Lanka. Ananda Gunathilake retired senior SSP and former Secretary of Police boxing Club was the Chief Guest on the final day of the Layton Cup Tournament.  In turn the standard of boxing will increase further with Sri Lanka’s chances of competing and winning medals at International level.

21 clubs were represented by 115 men and 41 women Boxers, who fought for the medals and the coveted Layton Cup. Sri Lanka Army took honors by winning 5 gold medals after participating in 10 weight categories. Slimline won 3 gold medals and Sri Lanka Air Force won 1 whilst Police won one gold medal respectively in the Men’s Weight Categories. After a sensational bout of boxing, Sameera Karunarathna of Police won the Gold and was selected as the Best Boxer of the tournament by defeating Saman Silva of Linea Clothing Boxing Club who was adjudged the Best Loser of the tournament.  Four National Level Champions and the number 1 in 2011 ABA boxing ranking, RMAB Gunathilake and PAI Rajapaksha of Slimline, WRT Weerakkodi and HMRC Herath of Army were beaten in their weight categories during the quarter and semifinals.

In the women’s weight categories MAS Group Boxers represented 8 weight classes and won 6 bouts. MAS Southern BC’s BN Erandhi won the Women’s Best Boxer award after beating S Guneththi of Police in the Bantam weight class.

Kosala Nilmini also of MAS Southern won the Women’s Best Loser award at the tournament. The best Women’s Boxing performance was seen from the MAS Group women Boxers once again and their improvements ensured well deserved victory. Accordingly all pugilists from other Boxing Clubs had to keep up with the pace and the progress made by all was encouraging for the sport in Sri Lanka.