WALCOT’S young boxing stars won their national schools quarter finals in London with ease at the weekend, writes Dave Veysey.

Fourteen-year-olds Said Eltuyev and Jimmy McDonagh both comfortably beat their Southern Counties counterparts to progress through to the semi finals.

Eltuyev, last season’s schools’ champion, met James Barnard of the Ted Harris Boxing Club in a Class 3, (46kgs) match, and after a quiet opening round the Churchfields schoolboy raised his game during the middle session to score repeatedly with left jabs and strong left hooks.

Every time Said penetrated Barnard’s guard he scored with a range of impressive punches, and during the final two minutes a stunning three-punch combination led to the referee issuing the Southern Counties champion with a standing count.

He bravely survived to hear the bell, when all five ringside judges awarded Said a points victory.

Completing the win double was clubmate McDonagh, who was always in command of Tadley ABC’s Jimmy Wall in a Class 3 (44kgs) encounter.

Some heavy straight rights put his opponent on the backfoot from the outset, and the Walcot boxer spent most of the first round chasing Wall around the ring.

Jimmy’s right hand was a constant threat to the Southern Counties champion, who fought back where he could.

Damage limitation was the name of the game for the Tadley boxer, but he proved brave under pressure and deservedly held on to hear the final bell.

As with Eltuyev, McDonagh was the winner by points on all five judges’ score cards.

Joining the duo in the semis is clubmate Kieran O’Donoghue, (14), whose opponent pulled out of their Class 3 (48kgs) clash.

Walcot chief coach Harry Scott was a happy man afterwards and is already focusing on the next stage: “Both Said and Jimmy got the job done in good style today,” he said.

“However the semi finals are next weekend so there is no time to rest.

“Both Said and Jimmy need to be back in the Walcot gym tomorrow, along with Kieran who received a bye today.

“All three have tough bouts next week and must be prepared.”

The semi-finals are held in Portsmouth next weekend.