Newell at his peak for ABA challenge

John Newell: title chase

TEENAGER John Newell continues his quest for a first senior ABA title on Sunday.

The 18-year-old Oldhamer is looking to complete the set of ABA titles after clinching honours in the junior novice and junior (twice) divisions.

A member of the Shannon and Ancoats Club, he takes on Kevin Fitzgerald in the second round of the North-West section.

Fitzgerald may boast home advantage — the 75kg fight is being staged at the Preston Labour Club ˆ—but he will come up against boxer at the top of his game.

Newell impressed in defeating Barrow’s Liam Conroy 34-21 in the first round of the ABAs at the Irish Centre, Cheetham Hill, and the Hopwood Hall student will be confident after his debut victory in an England vest against Scott Forrest, of Scotland, in Glasgow.