Five advance to ABA Novice nationals

Five West Midlands fighters advanced to the national finals of the ABA Novice championships after a busy day of boxing in Bedworth.

At the Newdigate Social Club yesterday, Priory Park ABC in Dudley were the best represented with five fighters given the chance to progress.

Vakar Hussain 'walked over' – no opponent to box – but Danial Hussain, Sikander Rasool, Derek Harkin and Josh Aston – cousin of pro Ryan – were all in action.

Aston took a points win over Stamford ABC's James Bull while Hussain got the job done inside the distance by stopping Liam Mackin, from Benny's ABC, in the third round.

But Rasool and Harkin, both from Priory Park, are both out after losing on points to Centurions ABC's Matthew Harness and Impact ABC's Matthew Birks respectively.

Walsall Wood ABC's Tarlock Mander also failed to make it past the Midlands finals, pipped on points by Capitol ABC's Stephen Coleman.

There was better news for Walsall Wood ABC's David Egan and Lions ABC's Andrew Robinson, who both won on points to join the Priory Park boys in the national pre-quarter finals.