(APR 28) The 2015 Boxing England ABA finals took place at the weekend at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and a near capacity crowd enjoyed a tremendous three day boxing feast.

There were many ‘stars’ on show, some ‘stars of today’ and several with a promising future beckoning though all three of GB’s 2012 London Olympic Games female boxers were absent.

Olympic gold medallist Nicola Adams withdrew before the competition due to theft of her boxing gear, Olympic ‘souvenirs’ inc Gold Watch and her car (plus a second car too).

Natasha Jonas (60kg) retired from boxing a few weeks back and 75kg representative Savannah Marshall is recovering from should surgery sustained in 2014 but hopes to be back in action for the inaugural European Games in Baku later this summer.

Adams said: "Nothing makes me prouder than boxing on home ground with the support I get from the nation.

"So, after much thought and discussion with England Boxing, I'm deeply regretful to have to pull out. It's not an easy time for me and my family. We would like to thank everyone for their understanding and support – the boxing team, the police and all my supporters." She remains in training and, like Marshall, hopes to represent her country at the Baku Games.

For me among the highlights of the women’s finals were victories for Lisa Whiteside, Chantelle Cameron and Stacey Copeland.

All three have shown considerable improvement in the past 12 months.

Whiteside and Adams are competing for the one available flyweight place in the British Olympic team for the Rio Olympics in 2016. When eventually they do meet there is sure to be a terrific battle between the duo and victory for the reigning Olympic champion is far from certain – so the GB selectors will be watching closely between now and when the team for Rio has to be finalised.

‘Super Sunday’ was a historic day which saw the men and women’s finals being held as part of the same tournament for the first time in the event’s 128 year history. It was also a day for family celebrations in the McCormack and Copeland households.

Twin brothers Pat and Luke McCormack were among 17 champions crowned. The brothers from Birtley ABC in the north east, became only the second pair of twins to win national titles on the same day equalling the achievement of Darren and Stewart Langley of the Hollington club in Camberwell in 2005.

Stacey Copeland, triumphed at welterweight to emulate the achievement of her father, Eddie Copeland, who won the light-flyweight title in 1979 when he overcame favourite Terry Marsh.

For 2014 European silver medallist Stacey this was a first Senior Elite title though she has been Novice champion here in 2013 as we reported in our pre-ABA preview. From their ‘ringside embrace’ to later celebrations with family and friends there was little doubt as to how much this win meant to the extended Copeland family.Theirs was also the first time a Father and Daughter had won ABA Elite titles.

Copeland’s bout with the Army’s Stephanie Wroe was one of the closest of the finals. Wroe is also emerging as one for the future at – indeed she surprised many of those present by defeating Derby’s English international Gemma Smith in the semi-final.

Speaking to WBAN earlier today, Copeland admitted it was a tough fight for that coveted ABA belt, before winning 2:1 on a ‘split’ decision.

How one wondered was she feeling yesterday or today after that bruising encounter? With typical honesty she said “I feel better today but I felt terrible yesterday! Worst I've felt in ages! Feels great that me and dad have made history though, what a special journey we've shared already so far”.

Natasha Gale, who has recently been added to GB Boxing's Podium Potential squad, secured the middleweight title in Marshall’s absence, with a unanimous victory over Alex Turbitt.

These 2015 Elite championships (and here I’m talking about both the male and female divisions) were extremely well organised by the ABA Boxing England organisation with few complaints regarding the officiating whilst those who could not make it to Liverpool were able to watch LIVE STREAMING of the semi-finals and finals. Great praise to all concerned.

This year there was pretty good pre-tournament coverage in the British media, especially in the North and North East but little coverage in National media (BBC and Sky websites apart). Several of the boxing correspondents were already en route to the United States for the Pacquiao v Mayweather bout and some key boxers were missing also from the men’s event due APB or WSB commitments.

Boxers and their coaches/families who do wish to feature in pre-tournament and post event media reports do though need to do more to help themselves. A few boxers I spoke to (though not those mentioned in this report) were ‘very disappointed’ that they did not receive any mention even in their local media. Well as the ‘old saying goes’

“It takes two to tango” so perhaps boxing would get wider coverage especially in the local media if they (or their coaches) regularly made contact with their local newspaper (inc free broadsheets), their local Radio and TV stations.

Only the “big names” will attract National attention. Get to know your local media’s boxing or sports reporter and regularly feed them with quotes and news of your forthcoming events and/or bouts. It goes without saying that some will just wish to let their boxing ability ‘speak for itself’ but regional newspapers are often short of material and will only be too pleased.

Looking at the 2015 tournament as an independent ‘onlooker’ one also noticed not just the efficient ABA officials inc referees and judges but also the great work of the volunteers and arena stewards who to a ‘man or woman’ were extremely friendly and helpful to one and all whilst ringside photographers are another often overlooked breed who do not always get the credit they deserve. As the old adage goes "A picture is worth a thousand words"

One of those who covered this year’s championship was Nigel Maitland so what does a professional photographer make of the sport?

“A few years ago I had no clue as to the effort and commitment it takes to be a boxer. To watch Stacey Copeland and other boxers was truly humbling. To see the family and friends who support was fantastic .So hopefully I've captured a few good shots! “

You can see for yourself Nigel in action via his Facebook page featuring several of the major bouts.

So congratulations to the boxers, and let’s not forget the losers here, who made this year’s championships the success it was.

Now let us hope that the AIBA take due note of the WBAN petition for more female weights in the Olympics preferably no later than 2020.

You, dear readers, as members of the AIBA ‘boxing family and community’ can do YOUR part by signing the petition and encouraging your own Association

to continue to fight for more weights. So wherever you live (and not just those of you in the British Isles) why not take it along to YOUR club and show your backing. Yes, males too should sign it – and soon!