GANNOW’S rising star Brett Windle showed why he is ranked number three in England when he lifted the Boxer of the Night trophy in front of an appreciative audience at Sandygate Amateur Boxing Club's annual black-tie event at Fence Gate Inn.

The 15-year-old, who attends Burnley's Shuttleworth School, was awarded a majority win against hard-hitting William Crolla, just a week after losing narrowly to the same opponent, who competes for Fox ABC.

Windle began strongly, switching attacks from body to head, but the experienced Crolla forced his way back into the contest, testing Windle's evasion skills.

However the teenager more than held his own and in the third and final round, Windle moved up another gear, keeping Crolla on the back foot, and scoring well before receiving his silverware from international referee Wayne Heywood.

It capped a five-star show for the Hargreaves Street club, who saw all their fighters claim impressive wins and coach Nik Tucker said: “It was a heck of a contest between Brett and Crolla, and he deserved his win because he was unlucky to lose his last fight against him.

“All the lads should be incredibly proud of their efforts, though, because they did Sandygate proud.”

Sandygate's James Danson, 13, and Rio Lynch (10) showed why they are highly rated too, out-gunning Gary Cubin (Toxteth) and Kai Morley (Clayton ABC) respectively.

Brendan Collins, 14, was matched up against Liverpool's Dave Hankinson (Croxteth ABC) and straight from the bell Collins took the fight to his taller more experienced foe, extending his lead round by round to claim victory.

Fifteen-year-old Will Smith pitted his skills against Ashton's James Lee (Hope Street), and although the fight was a scrappy contest, Smith always had the edge, making good use of his longer reach as the Blessed Trinity Year 11 boy won each round. Brandon Hartley, 17, made sure Sandygate finished the evening unbeaten, locking horns with Rochdale's Abdul Butt (Hamer ABC) Hartley boxed well off the jab, catching his taller opponent at will, with the Burnley College student breezing to a comfortable win.

Anyone interested in joining the club can visit sandygateabc.com