Newell impresses champion

John Newell

BOXING: UP-AND-COMING boxer John Newell gained a new admirer after claiming a notable scalp in his latest contest.

The North Chadderton pupil, who stands at 6ft 3in, clinched a unanimous points win over three-time schoolboy ABA champion Jack Massey at the Irish Heritage Centre, Cheetham Hill.

In the crowd was reigning world light-welterweight belt holder and Olympic silver medalist Amir Khan, who was watching brother Haroon fighting on the same bill.

Khan was so impressed by John’s display in the three-round contest — he dominated his highly-rated opponent to win the Corbett Robertson boxer-of-the-evening award (pictured) — that he invited the 16-year-old to his gym in Bolton for a training session.

“John was made up,” said dad Tony. “Amir couldn’t stay for too long afterwards, but he was a real gentleman. He had a quick chat with John and encouraged him to keep working hard and try to build a good career.”

Newell, who started boxing at the age of 12, is member of the Ancoats Amateur Boxing Club and is coached by Sean Rafferty.

He returns to the ring on March 11 when he locks horns with Joe Wilkinson, of Sandigate ABC, Burley, while at the end of the month he will begin his quest for a schoolboy ABA title at 75kg.

Newell, who was a losing semi-finalist in last year’s ABAs, will attend Hopwood Hall College in September. There he will work on his boxing skills as well study sports science.