PATRICK McDonagh booked his place in the semi-final of the Youth Championships with a sensational victory at Aylesbury on Sunday.

The hard-hitting 17-year-old Walcot boxer demolished home counties champion Edmund Edwards in under a round with an exhibition of punching power which impressed England coach Mick Gannon, who was watching from ringside.

From the outset the former England schoolboy international attacked with fast southpaw right jabs and heavy straight lefts.

The unfortunate Edwards had no answer to the onslaught, and after a minute of virtual non-stop McDonagh attack, the referee issued him with a standing count.

This proved to be a brief respite for the Slough boxer, who did his best to fight back, but found the Walcot boxer too fast and too strong.

Another sustained McDonagh attack led to Edwards received a second standing count - with the referee wisely waving the bout over with 52 seconds of the round remaining.

Patrick was delighted afterwards, saying: “I’m very happy with my performance this afternoon.

“My combinations were working well and I knew from the start that I was hurting him with my straight lefts.

“I’d like to thank Dave Veysey and Danny Hughes, my cornermen today, and also Harry Scott for his hard work with me in the gym.”

Walcot coach Veysey added: “That was a fantastic display from Patrick today.

“England coach Mick Gannon told me afterwards that he was very impressed with Patrick’s performance.

“We don’t have much time to celebrate though, as the semi final is on this Saturday in Portsmouth.”