Coach Robb banned

Brian Robb, one of Shropshire's leading boxing coaches, has been suspended.

Robb has been given a temporary ban by the Amateur Boxing Association following the defeat of Dan Cartwright in the semi-finals of the Junior Novice Championships in Bolton last month.

Cartwright - who fought out of Shrewsbury Amateur Boxing Club where Robb was head coach until his recent departure - was defeated on points by Yorkshire's Aaron Calvert in the last four of the -63kgs category.

But Robb strongly disagreed with the decision and the ABA have received complaints over "abusive behaviour" at the venue and public comments he made over the decision.

And the ABA's National Case Management Review Panel have now ruled there is a case to answer.

"An interim sanction has been put in place and that is a suspension from all boxing activity," said Barry Jones, national Child Protection and Equity manager for the ABA. "That will remain in place until a disciplinary hearing is held."

That is likely to be staged in the new year.

Robb has recently quit his role as head coach at Shrewsbury, citing interference from committee members, and he and several of his boxers from Shrewsbury, moved to Chelmlsey Wood ABC.

Ken Bowater, another former Shrewsbury coach, is currently overseeing Robb's boxers.

Robb said: "I have got a ban at the moment and I am speaking to my solicitor about it."