Trio prepare to box for Junior national titles

James Mongan and two girls from Merridale Boxing Club will fight for England Junior Championship national titles on Sunday.

The trio will be crowned champions if they can come through their last hurdles at the Birtley Boys gym in Gateshead,

Mongan, from Priory Park in Dudley, is looking to become a two-time titlist in his Junior debut year, after his Schools accolade last May.

Two divisions are separated by age in the Juniors, one encompassing 2000-2001 born entrants and another solely for 2001.

Standing in Mongan's way will be William Oliphant, from Repton in London, at 46kg in the 2001 only 'cadet' ranks.

Joining him will be Simran Kaur and Kara Murray, both under the Wolverhampton-based Merridale banner, in the 2000-01 female section.

The undefeated Kaur also could become a double national champion, like Mongan, stepping up from the Schools. She has Chloe Watson, from Birkenhead Venture in Merseyside, at 48kg.

Murray has yet to box in the competition, but has the chance to claim her first national title. She features at 60kg against Elisha Mannouch, from Swale Gloves in Kent.

Shropshire also stages the start of the Schools tournament tomorrow, with Donnington the hosts at the Telford district's Sports & Social Club.

Fighters will be entered over the weights in a combined 2002-03 and a solo 2004 'minors' class before they are paired.

Doors to the venue on Turreff Avenue open at 10am, where participants will be weighing in until 12pm, with the first bell expected around 12.30pm.

Entry for spectators is £10 for adults and £5 for children and concessions, with everyone paying on the door.

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