England call on Newell

Boxer John Newell

BOXING: JOHN Newell has been called up to the England squad to face Ireland, Sweden and Lithuania in an international in Dublin later this month.

The 17-year-old Oldham fighter will compete in the middleweight 75kg category at the National Stadium — the world’s first purpose-built boxing venue.

The three-day event begins on Friday, July 22, two months after Newell lost his junior ABA title in controversial circumstances.

He lost 27-20 to Archie Hutchings — a decision that stunned the fighter, camp and punters at Medway Valley Leisure Park, Kent, who jeered officials.

His coach Sean Rafferty contacted organisers to put his displeasure on record.

While the surprise defeat hit Newell hard, his dad Tony insists his son has moved on.

He said: “John just had to take that one on the chin.

“It was a tough one to take but he is over it and cannot wait to get back in the ring.

“He is ready, fit and already at the right weight, so he is raring to go.

“John loves representing his country.”