Bicester lightweight Ashley Banks will take on Bradford’s Rahul Gondalia (Karmand BC) in the final of the England Junior Novice Championships in Leysdown, Isle of Sheppey on Saturday.
Banks, a member of Banbury BC, reached the 63kg showdown after a split decision against Dan Mugialzon (Hooks BC) in Grove Park, London.
From the first bell, Mugialzon proved a composed switch-hitting counter-puncher.
However, Banks (above) caught him with a wicked left hook to the ribs which shook him.
That led to Mugialzon staying orthodox for the rest of the contest.
Banks took control in the second round, repeatedly using his superior reach and speed to score almost at will in a high tempo session.
Mugialzon came out more aggressively in the final round, but Banks was rarely troubled until the dying seconds when his opponent landed a right hook on his nose to leave him reeling, setting up a nervous finale.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article