Banbury BC lightweight Ashley Banks was crowned England junior novice champion after a unanimous points win against Rahul Gondalia (Karmand BC, Bradford) in the final.

His victory at Leysdown-on-Sea on the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, brought a remarkable five-week 1,000-mile journey to a perfect conclusion for the 16-year-old, who lives in Bicester.

After a cagey start to the 63kg contest at Merlin’s Nightclub, the pace picked up with both fighters landing jabs simultaneously on numerous occasions.

Banks started to follow up with combinations of hooks and straight punches that tipped the round in his favour.

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The pace stepped up dramatically in the second round with Gondalia coming out on the front foot and working hard to get closer to Banks.

There were very few cleanly-landed shots, but a superior workrate and aggression saw the round go the way of Gondalia.

After a stern talking to from his coach, Ben Malcher, Banks stepped up a gear in the third with some accurate, high tempo attacks to rattle his opponent.

As a result, Gondalia hardly landed a glove on Banks, who took a unanimous verdict.

“This is the best outcome we could have wished for,” said Malcher.

“Ashley had a particularly tough weight category and has overcome solid opposition at every stage.

“I knew from the start that Ashley had all the makings of a champion.

“Not only has he got great boxing ability, he is a bright kid who works hard and has stayed focused on his objectives, inside and outside the ring.”

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