Banbury BC lightweight Ashley Banks was crowned England Boxing Home Counties and Western Counties junior novice champion after beating Poole’s George Schwarzin in Swindon.

The 16-year-old, from Bicester, put on a dazzling display in the 60-63kg contest.

Banks resisted a strong start from Schwarzin with some fast straight punches from both hands.

As Schwarzin tried to get back into the contest, Banks landed several solid hooks to his head and body.

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In the second round, the Banbury boxer showed good footwork to score at will with some crisp combinations.

Banks showed his class in the third and final round with a disciplined and accurate display of long-range shots to leave his rival demoralised as he took a unanimous points decision.

He now faces Allah Ibrahimi Mohammad (Wiseman) in today’s Southern v Western/Home Counties quarter-final at Rye, East Sussex, for a place in the South semi-finals in London from December 6-7.

Banks’s coach, Ben Malcher, said: “Ashley has a great attitude towards training, he is self-motivated and sets a great example to the other young members.

“The standard of boxing is excellent in this national tournament, and Ashley showed his true potential on Sunday with a fine display with his opponent only landing one clean shot.”

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