Proud as punch

RING MASTER: Kyle Shaughnessy and trainer Kieran Moore after the junior ABA triumph in Barnsley.

KYLE Shaughnessy continued his remarkable rise to prominence by claiming the junior ABA championship at 63kg.

The Counthill pupil, who fights out of the Bridgewater club in Salford, comfortably saw off the challenge of Daniel Woledge of St Mary’s in the final to win 19-8 on points at the Barnsley Metrodome.

Shaughnessy’s latest achievement adds to a haul which also includes a CYP (Clubs for Young People) national title at the same weight earlier this year, plus a ‘boxer-of-the-tournament’ award at an event in Denmark.

And the 16-year-old — who started boxing with Oldham Boys six years ago — is now gearing up to represent England in the three nations tournament against Wales and Scotland at Sheffield’s English Institute of Sport in the middle of next month.

“Kyle has really clicked this year,” said proud father Mark.

“Before he would hit a wall at a certain point, but he has knuckled down and is enjoying the rewards.”

Shaughnessy, whose overall record features nine losses in 47 fights, is friends with fellow Oldham prospect John Newell, who won the junior ABA title in the 75kg category.