Newell steps up in style

JOHN NEWELL (right) throw in a punch.

ROYTON schoolboy boxer John Newell punched his way to victory in his latest bout.

And it was a significant success as the 15-year-old pupil from North Chadderton School was fighting in the 75kg middleweight division for the first time.

Despite being given only five days notice of his bout at Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, Newell gained a unanimous points win over London champion Jacob Peterson (16) who was a finalist in the last junior ABAs.

Newell, who was moving up from the 70kg light-middleweight division, was a losing semi-finalist in last year’s junior ABAs.

But that loss has simply galvanised his desire not to miss out again and he has been working tirelessly with coach Sean Rafferty.

Newell began his boxing at Oldham Boys Club but when that folded he moved to Ancoats Amateur Boxing Club which also doubles up as the professional Shannon’s gym.
Father Tony believes his son, who already stands at 6ft 3.5in, will eventually end up becoming a light-heavyweight.