Manku knows he can mix it with the best despite defeat

Manku went down to a points defeat against the vastly experienced Jordan Cooke (Triumph ABC), but Cleary labelled it as “the best performance of the night”.

“Cooke has had more wins than Nav has had fights and has boxed the European junior champion,” said Cleary.

“It was the first time that Nav has boxed 3x3s and he was worried about not going the distance and started slowly.

“But it was a good fight and he now knows he can go in with good boxers.

“It was the best performance on the night.”

Cleary was not so generous to Sean Greenfield who beat Luke Bodycote (Red Corner ABC), describing his charge’s display as “lacklustre and lazy”.

Myles Vale was also some way below his best in a war of attrition with fellow brawler Tom Brown (Bulkington).

“He looked a bit tired,” said Cleary, who is worried about Vale’s ability to make the 67kg.

“If Myles had been a bit sharper, he would have stopped him.”

Greenfield will meet Studio’s Ben Bourne in Dudley tonight with a place in the county final on March 9 at stake, with Vale taking on Michael Pardoe (Droitwich).

The duo’s participation in the semi-final of the ABA’s means they will be absent from tomorrow night’s Cleary’s ABC dinner show at Warwick School.

However, Manku will be in action as he takes on Worcester City’s Jon Roberts, a recent points loser to Greenfield.

Jackie Turpin ABC trio Libby Durrant, Lucas Tonks and Mark Edwards are also on the bill and in addition to a strong local flavour, there will be four ABA championship bouts.

The pick sees Samson Sykes (Capitol) take on Raza Hamza (Aston), with the duo having won nine national titles between them.

Tables for the 16-bout card are already sold out, but there are still some boxing-only tickets available.

Priced at £10, they can be obtained by ringing Cleary on 07723 389774 or Adrian Bush on 07581 506823.