Boxing: Zain Ahmed off to the finals after a 'punch perfect' win

Gareth Pratt, John Finnerty, Zain Ahmed, Joe Crawford, David Hodkinson

Zain Ahmed, of Queensway ABC, progressed to the finals after winning at the Junior National cadet championships at the weekend.

From the first bell Ahmed was landing shots at ease and moving back out of range to the frustration of his opponent taking round one.

Rounds two and three went exactly the same way sending Ahmed into the final in two weeks’ time.

The final is expected to be very tough as the boxer Ahmed faces has stopped all previous opponents within the three round.

David Hodkinson, Queensway ABC coach, said: "He is a very strong and hard hitting young man, these types of opponents are always going to be a danger but hopefully we will stick to a game plan and pull off the win."

Next up and looking for a place in the final was Joe Crawford. He was up against Huey Malone who had beat him twice previously coming into the contest.

In round one Malone came out of the blocks a little bit faster and and took the first round having prevented Crawford finding his rhythm.

Crawford's corner told him jab was the key and told him to use it every opportunity, which he did in the second round and it allowed him to find his range and land the second phase and he took the round.

Round three went the same with Crawford dominating the first and third stages of the attack leaving Malone out of options.

As the bell went, Crawford and his corner believed he had gotten "sweet revenge", however, the judges delivered a "terrible blow" with a split decision win for Malone.

David Hodkinson, Queensway ABC coach, said: "The result was as much as a surprise to his corner as it was ours, but that's boxing for you."