Clayton boxer loses in national semi-finals (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Clayton boxer loses in national semi-finals

5:37pm Tuesday 19th February 2013 in Grass Roots news

JACK Howes’ quest for boxing glory is over after losing in the semi finals of the national ABAs.

The Clayton ABC boxer, who was crowned North West champion, was beaten by the more experienced Connor Butler from Kirkby at Havercroft Sports Centre in Wakefield.

Coach John Brindle was proud of his fighter, a pupil at Norden High School.

“Jack has only been boxing competitively for a short time so to be crowned North West champion and get to the national semi finals is a great feat.

“But he was in against a boxer who is very experienced for his age. Jack has only had seven fights compared to the 20 or so Connor has had.

“So we always knew it was going to be difficult but Jack did himself proud.”

Naheem Chaudhry warmed up for the Junior ABA Championships in April with an impressive unanimous points win on a show organised by Hulton Abbey ABC in Stoke.

The Blackburn and Audley Police ABC fighter scored cleanly throughout the contest to win two of the three rounds.

However, Ali Akhtar, 11, narrowly lost to John Gilbert of Hulton Abbey on majority decision.

Meanwhile, three Sandygate Amateur Boxing Club fighters have reached the National ABA Schoolboy semi finals.

Brett Windle, 14, was in fine form to beat J Phillips of West Way ABC of Scunthorpe over three rounds.

James Kimberley, 13, a two-time national ABA finalist was pushed all the way as he beat N Clarkson of Micky’s ABC, Selby to win on a majority decision.

They both join Connor Shaw, 12, who had already booked his place in the semi finals.