GERARD Ward, from Berinsfield ABC, will be fighting next month for a National Schoolboys title after a convincing victory at the weekend.

Ward stopped Harry Needham, from the Ted Harris Boxing Academy, in the second round of their class 1 (born 2000) 48kg semi-final at Portsmouth.

The Cowley youngster dominated from the start and forced Needham into a standing count in the first round.

His superiority continued in the second round and, after securing two more standing counts on his opponent, the contest was halted.

Ward now goes forward to the national finals which be held in Liverpool on March 2-3.

Berinsfield clubmate Michael McDonagh will not be joining him following a narrow defeat.

In the semi-finals of the class 2 (born 1999) 40kg competition, McDonagh was edged out by Mark Chamberlain, from Portsmouth.

With his long reach, Chamberlain landed more points-scoring punches than his battling opponent and secured a majority verdict in a very tight contest.