BOXING: ABA ace earns plaudits

Boxer John Newell (right)

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ROYTON teenager John Newell has been crowned the junior novice ABA champion.

The North Chadderton School pupil scored a decisive 11-2 points victory over Midlander Daniel McDickinson in the 70-kilo final at Romford, Essex.

Coach Sean Rafferty, from Failsworth, was full of praise for the 15-year-old who trains at Ancoats Amateur Boxing Club.

Rafferty said: “John boxed very well and I am delighted for him. The people in the crowd picked him out as the best boxer on the night.

“He deserves this success because of the effort he has put in over the last couple of years.

“John works hard and listens and, like so many of the young lads I train, he is polite and well mannered.”

Rafferty has been involved in the sport for more than 30 years — he trained Michael Brodie to a European title — and believes Newell, who started boxing at the age of 12, has a big future.

He added: “I am excited by John’s potential, although he still has a lot to learn.

“Boxing is not simply wham-bam. It’s a noble art and there are many others things to consider such as fitness and mental strength.”

Newell, who battled through five qualifying rounds to reach the final, will have a well-earned break before setting his sights on next year’s junior ABAs, the next step on the ladder.