THE skills of rising young Forest Oaks Boxing Club star Romeo Romaeo stole the show as he produced a brilliant display of ringcraft at Cinderford's Oaklands Club on Sunday.

Romaeo was in superb form. Entering the ring Chris Eubank style – to the delight of the crowd he jumped over the top rope ­– the young schoolboy star oozed class and confidence.

Matched against a taller opponent, he set about his task with a will. His coach Dave Robbins encouraged Romaeo to slow down his footwork after which his punches gained in accuracy as he cruised through to the final bell and a wide unanimous points decision.

Local fight fans were disappointed to lose three major bouts to illness as top Forest boxers, Mike Freeman, Scott Morgan and Tom Smyth were all forced to withdraw. But there were 15 contests and plenty to cheer in the heavyweight sections.

Big Eddie Whitmore produced one the best performances of his career in a full-on battle with Bristol fighter Matt Donnelly. After three pulsating rounds Donnelly took the decision by a single point. Forest Oaks coaches were, however, delighted with Whitmore's display and described it as his best yet in the club's colours.

Sidelined for 18 months by an elbow injury, heavyweight mechanic Nathan Madge made a welcome return to the ring and produced a battling performance against Barry's John O'Kelly.

It was toe-to-toe from the first bell but ring-rust took its toll on Madge and at the end of a terrific scrap the Welshman took a split decision. It was, however, a great return for the talented Madge who is expected to make quite an impact this season.