WALCOT boxer Patrick McDonagh progressed through to the Junior ABA semi-finals at the weekend with a stylish victory over Eastern Counties champion Percy Baxter.

The 16-year-old England international attacked from the opening bell of the Class 4, (63kgs), quarter-final match, and scored with fast southpaw jabs and straight lefts in the early stages.

Baxter landed with few scoring shots in what proved to be a comfortable opening round for the Walcot boxer, and during the middle session McDonagh increased his workrate still further to add right hooks and uppercuts to his repertoire.

Round two was one-way traffic with Patrick completely in control and Baxter firmly in survival mode, but the final two minutes were a quieter affair.

McDonagh was still in command, but less busy, whilst Baxter was content to see out the round to give the Walcot a unanimous points verdict by the ringside judges at the end of a one-sided contest.

He said afterwards: “I am happy to have beaten the Eastern Counties champion, and I feel that my performance was improved from last week.

“However I will work hard in the gym this week and try and take it up a notch for the semi final.”

His coach Harry Scott added: “Patrick boxed well and is improving with every contest.

“He totally outclassed Baxter and impressed many spectators and coaches alike today.

“The next round, which is against the London champion, will be tough, but we will be prepared for it.”

Meanwhile, Walcot have had to cancel of their proposed boxing show at the Supermarine Club, South Marston, on Friday May 17.

Due to illness and injury amongst the club’s ranks, as well as many young boxers taking school exams, a high percentage of their boxers became unavailable for selection.

Chief coach Scott said: “We are very sad to have cancelled a Walcot boxing event for the first time in the club’s history due to circumstance beyond our control.

“We apologise to all our sponsors and supporters, and we hope to have an even bigger show to make up for it in November at the same venue.”