Final fling for Newell

JOHN NEWELL

BOXING

ROYTON boxer John Newell punched his way to a place in the final of the junior novice ABA’s.

The 15-year-old from North Chadderton School stopped Midlands champion Jordan Clayton in the third round of his semi-final at Liverpool’s Adelphi Hotel.

Clayton had beaten each of his last five opponents in the opening round and had gained a reputation as a big hitter.

Newell weathered an early onslaught and imposed himself on the bout which was stopped in the third round when Clayton was forced to take two standing counts.

Coach Sean Rafferty said: “This was the best John has ever boxed against a tough opponent.

“Clayton came out like Mike Tyson, but John kept up with him well.

“He put together some good combinations. and, as Clayton had to take two standing counts in one round, he was automatically eliminated.”

John, who boxes for Ancoats Amateur Boxing Club, won’t have much time to recover as the final is on Saturday at Romford, Essex.