Newell cruises through

BOXING: OLDHAM’S John Newell is through to the ABA junior national quarter-finals after comfortably defeating John Smith at the Irish Centre in Cheetham Hill.

Title-holder Newell (17), who trains at Shannon and Ancoats gym, was awarded a unanimous verdict by the judges after a polished performance in the 75kg category.

His movement and powerful delivery made him too much for Smith, out of Sandygate boxing club, to handle.

Newell will face an opponent from Tyneside or Merseyside at Cedar Mount High School, Gorton, in April.

Dad Tony said: “I was pleasantly surprised by how many people made the trip from Oldham to watch John.”