John starts power trip

Photo: PICTURE by VINCENT BROWN

ERIC Noi is flanked by Jack Ellinder (left) and Cameron Booth.

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BOXING:

JOHN Newell begins the defence of his ABA junior title tomorrow.

Months of hard work at Shannon and Ancoats gym, geared towards achieving greater power, will be put to the test at the Irish Centre in Cheetham Hill, where he faces John Smith, of Sandygate boxing club, in the regional final.

Victory in the 75kg clash will take John (17) into the national quarter-finals.

Dad Tony said: “Quite a few people will be making the journey from Oldham to cheer on John.

“It will be a tough bout because Smith is a couple of inches taller than John but, having said that, preparations have gone very well.

“John has been working overtime with his trainer Sean Rafferty. Since Christmas there has been an emphasis on increasing his power.

“John made the weight without any problems.”

Doors open at 7pm at the Irish Centre. Admission costs £10 on the door.