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Boarshaw boxers strike gold

Mike Glendinning
20/11/2003

THREE talented fighters from Boarshaw Boxing Club have struck gold in North West Counties bouts, and are now set to take their places in the county squad.

Eleven-year- old Mark Hefron, brother Ronnie Hefron (13) and James Barker, who are members of the Stanycliffe Lane club, fought in the North West County junior matches, and each won by a unanimous decision to book their places in the East Lancashire squad to face their West Lancashire counterparts next month.

The performance of 13-year-old James Barker was particularly eye-catching, and the judges on the night awarded him the coveted Best Boxer award.

The club's coaches and fighters are celebrating another unanimous points victory, as Justin Wilkinson took the North West title in the Senior Novice Championships.

Justin stepped into the ring with Liverpudlian Phil Jones, at Nantwich Town Hall last Tuesday and, although the fight went the distance, Wilkinson's superior punching power saw the decision go his way.

Boarshaw coach Jimmy Barker said: "The young lads fought well and thoroughly deserved their emphatic victories. They work hard and that has paid off with places on the county team. Justin's victory was also very sweet and he too has worked hard to become North West Champion. Congratulations to all four of them."