Walcot boxer Jimmy McDonagh shook off the ring rust to clinch the Western Counties Youth title at Cleve RFC, Mangotsfield, last Sunday, writes Dave Veysey.

In his first contest for more than nine months, the 16-year-old encountered Sam Ingram from the Camborne Boxing Club in Cornwall in a lightweight clash over three rounds.

From the outset McDonagh attacked the Cornishman with two fisted combinations, landing with fast left jabs and straight rights.

The former England Schoolboy skilfully kept close to his taller opponent, negating Ingram's reach advantage, whilst scoring with fast combinations of punches.

The champion of Devon, Cornwall and Dorset had little answer to the McDonagh onslaught - with heavy punches continuing to rain down upon him for most of the opening round. Despite being caught on the ropes for long periods, he bravely survived all that the Walcot boxer threw at him to hear the first bell.

The middle session saw McDonagh take his foot off the gas a little, attacking less frequently than before, but still scoring with ease to the head and body.

However, Ingram continued to prove he was tough as teak, especially when soaking up punishing bodyshots whilst still countering with shots of his own.

After an action-packed two rounds both lads understandably tired during the final three minutes, and so fewer shots were fired on both sides.

The Walcot boxer changed tactics, moving around the ring on nimble feet to evade his opponent’s straight shots, whilst swiftly moving into range to land with occasional hard rights.

Both fighters received a well-deserved ovation from the packed crowd at the final bell, where McDonagh was awarded a unanimous points victory.

He said: “I was a bit rusty but I felt I won every round. Credit to Sam, though, because I hit him with everything but he stayed with me.”

Walcot coach Lionel McCrea added: “I am very pleased with Jimmy’s performance. These three rounds will have set him up nicely for the quarter finals.”

Eleven-year-old Lewis Edwards took part in an exhibition bout with Owen Sanfielice from Downend & District Boxing Club.

Both these youngsters put on a terrific display, and both were cheered at the final bell.