WALCOT boxer Mikey McDonagh advanced to the National Schoolboy semi-finals with a gritty win at Portsmouth last Saturday, writes Dave Veysey.

He faced Southern Counties champion Lennox Gill from the Golden Ring Boxing Club in a Class B Under 40kgs clash.

The Walcot boxer attacked from the opening bell with left jabs and straight rights, which forced Gill back.

A combination of fast punches from McDonagh led to the Hampshire boxer receiving a standing count and McDonagh still outscored his opponent, going on to be awarded a split points decision.

Walcot chief coach Harry Scott said: "That was an awkward contest with Gill being a southpaw but Mikey came through well and his fitness was outstanding.''