Silver lining after Golden Gloves defeat

6:40pm Tuesday 11th March 2008

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IBRAHIM Shah has been rewarded for reaching the National Golden Gloves finals with an England call-up.

While the Audley Amateur Boxing Club fighter narrowly lost on points to Michael Dumphy, he had already done emough to impress England coaches.

He will make his England debut in the Three Nations Tournament in Sheffield next month.

The 12-year-old became Audley's first ever boxer to reach the national finals - now he is the club's first international boxer.

Club founder and head coach Yacoob Hussain said: "We are all very proud of Ibrahim.

"To reach a national final is a fantastic feat. He performed very well and, in the end, it was a close decision."

Shah fought Guildford City boxer Dumphy at Nottingley Sports Centre in Yorkshire in the under 52kg final.

While judges gave Dumphy the decision, Shah, who attends Witton Park High School, is still the Northern Counties champion and now an England international.

Yaqoob added: "One of the England managers gave me a letter after the fight to inform me that Ibrahim had been selected to fight for England.

"It was great news after the disappointment of losing in the final. We have never had a fighter who has reached a national final before but now we have our first every international.

"It is great news for Ibrahim but also great news for the club."