There is a clash of national champions at the Cwmbran Stadium, Gwent, tomorrow when Walcot's Jorgen Cetaj takes on Aaron Rees of Newport in the semi-final of the National Association of Children and Young Persons' Championship, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

The Swindon boxer is the English and British junior ABA middleweight champion, while Rees is the Welsh champion in the same category.

The Welshman has moved up a weight division this season for this Class B (70-75kgs), encounter, and Cetaj, pictured above) hopes the Welshman will find it tougher at the higher weight catergory.

The Walcot man said: "Rees has come up a weight division this season, so I should be a bit bigger than him.

"I'm very fit and strong at the weight. My training has gone well, and I must thank coach Harry Scott for all his hard work.

"I have to respect Rees as he is a Welsh international boxer, but I don't fear him.'' Chief coach Harry Scott has given his boxer's preparations the thumbs-up, saying: "Jorgen is a fit boy, who trains very hard and I wish him well.''

  • A trio of Walcot youngsters are just one victory away from a first England vest, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

Thirteen-year-olds Tommy McDonagh and Ryan Martin and 14-year-old Joe Buckley compete in the national semi-finals of the Golden Gloves Championship, at the Connaught Leisure Centre, Aldershot, tomorrow.

The Amateur Boxing Association has decreed that any boxer reaching the national final of the Golden Gloves will represent England in a Three Nations tournament later in the season.

Championship debutant McDonagh will face Yahia Chelly, from Dale Youth ABC in London.

McDonagh has won four out of five contests since he joined Walcot and will contest the Class One (46-48kgs) category.

Martin will be 14 on Monday so will hope to celebrate his birthday a couple of days early with a good performance against Repton's Tommy Carr.

The Greendown School pupil was the Class One featherweight champion last season and has moved up to lightweight for this season's campaign.

Buckley will take on Andrew Doe, of Bushey ABC, in the Class Three (54-57kgs) section.

This season's Comeback Kid', having returned to the gym last month after almost a year out, Buckley won twice within a week to reach this stage.

Chief coach Harry Scott said: "All three lads will have a tough battle on their hands, but I'm sure they will give a good account of themselves.

"They have worked hard in the gym four or five times a week, and deserve to do well.

"The prospect of a first England vest for the winner will add even more prestige to the day.''' The action starts at 2pm at the Connaught Leisure Centre, Tongham Road, Aldershot.