George Drinkwater remains on course for a second national ABA title after reaching this year’s quarter finals.

The Roche Boxing Club fighter, ranked number one in the country in the 57-60kg class, beat number two Trent Smith of Worcester ABA in a thrilling three round contest in Gorton.

The 14-year-old (below) was made to work against the big-punching West Midlands champion but won the contest 18-16.

He will be joined in the quarter finals by club-mate Morgan Jackson, 16, from Blackburn who made light work of his opponent, Hamid Mahazi.

Fighting in the 71-75kg category, Jackson stopped Mahazi, also from the West Midlands, in the second round. The pair will now be looking to book a place in the semi finals when they return to ring at the weekend in Gorton.