What a way to introduce yourself to boxing’s top table.
Jack Dryden made an amazing debut at a major championships by winning his first bout at the European Games.
The Geordie boxer outclassed French opponent Riad Labidi over three rounds in the preliminary round of 32 bout in the under 57 kilos division.
All five judges scored the bout to Jack who, according to Sky Sports reporter, John Dennen “showed some real touches of class.”
The featherweight, speaking to GB Boxing afterwards, said: “It felt good, it was nice to blow the cobwebs off.
“It was good to get the first one out of the way.
“I enjoyed being on a big show and atmosphere – I thought I’d be more nervous but I felt relaxed.”
That Dryden should display real touches of class should come as no surprise.
The Birtley ABC has been a revelation at domestic level, bursting onto the scene with two National Amateur Championship titles, ABAs in old money, plus success on our doorstep at the Angel of the North Box Cup.
He has already shown glimpses on the international stage in tournaments this season in North Macedonia and the Czech Republic and told punch-lines that he has not gone out to Krakow make up the numbers.
Dryden’s goal is to medal in the European Games and should he reach the semi, he will book his place at Paris 2024 at the same time.
“It’s exciting to be up against the top kids and in with a chance of qualifying for the Olympics,” he said. “I’m confident I can qualify.
“I think the style of international boxing suits me.
“I’m not just in Poland for the experience – I’m here to try to win.”
Dryden has been part of the GB squad for the last year at the English Institute of Sport and has deserved his spot at the European Games after the meteoric rise he’s enjoyed.
“It feels a bit mental, but I feel confident and more than capable of doing this.”
He has already provided evidence in those international excursions to North Macedonia and the Czech Republic.
Competing for the first time as a GB Boxer, at the Golden Gong tournament, he began with a points win over Peter Paton, of Scotland, before beating the host nation’s Oran Shakirovski to strike gold.
He brought back a bronze medal from the Czech Grand Prix last month, when he defeated Sweden’s Nebil Ibrahim and Argentina’s Angel Palacios to reach the semi-finals at Usti nad Labem, before being pulled out with an injury.
“It was brilliant to win gold in Macedonia,” said the former Grainger Park ABC boxer.
“I boxed a good Swede on the first day and win again in day two.
“I’d hurt my hand in the first bout but didn’t say anything because I wanted to win gold, but I ended up getting pulled out at the semi-finals.”
There was victory too for Jack’s team-mate, Reese Lynch, who defeated Latvia’s Marcis Grundalis by a unanimous decision in the U63.5 kiklo round of 32, but there was defeat for Shona Whitwell who was outpointed by Kosovo’s Donjeta Sadiku at U60 kilos.
Words: Roy Kelly
