WALCOT boxer Said Eltuyev had to dig deep to win his second-round contest in the National Youth Championships last Monday, writes Dave Veysey.

The former England Schoolboy international faced an experienced opponent in the shape of Brad Ingram from the City of Gloucester gym in an under 64kg encounter but came through a tough contest to reach the Western Counties final.

From the opening bell, both teenagers looked to gain an advantage, with Ingram firing left jabs and straight rights, whilst the fleet-footed Eltuyev responded with left hooks on the counter.

The Walcot boxer’s movement was key throughout the contest, with his nimble footwork assisting him to avoid many of Ingram’s attacks.

Both these determined youngsters provided the crowd with three entertaining rounds of high-class action, and at the final bell, the ringside judges awarded Eltuyev a split points’ decision.

The Walcot youngster was delighted afterwards, saying: “I am pleased to have got through this round as Brad brought a good record to the ring and was a very tough opponent.

“I would like to thank all the Walcot coaches for their help in the gym, and now I can look forward to the Western Counties final.”

Walcot coach Harold Scott added: “Said does not have long to prepare for the Western Counties final, as it is this Saturday evening in Newquay.”