Walcot boxer Patrick McDonagh has struck gold at the Three Nations Schoolboy Championship in Scotland, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

The event involved the cream of the schoolboy boxing talent from England, Scotland and Wales, and the 15-year-old had to win two contests to be crowned British Champion at class three (60kg), and collect the gold medal.

In the semi-final he met the Scottish number two James Lowe, and after a close opening two minutes he was 2-1 up at the end of the round.

The middle session saw the Walcot southpaw land with the more accurate punches and increase his lead to 5-2, and McDonagh attacked with southpaw right jabs and straight lefts during the final two minutes to complete a comfortable 9-4 points victory.

In the final he met the Scottish champion John Docherty, a highly-rated boxer who has won five titles in his boxing career to date.

Docherty was also a southpaw and very tall which meant he enjoyed a reach advantage over McDonagh.

However from the outset McDonagh kept close to his opponent to negate this and landed with straight rights and lefts to enjoy a 5-2 lead at the first bell.

The second session was a close affair, with both boxers scoring three points each which meant the score stood at 8-5 to McDonagh after two rounds.

Docherty came out all guns blazing for the final two minutes, but the Walcot boxer was not in the mood to relinquish his lead, and met his rival punch-for-punch to clinch the bout 12-8 and win the coveted gold medal.

“It feels great to have won the title. Docherty was a tough opponent and I am delighted to have beaten him and won the gold for England,” McDonagh said.

“I must thank Harry Scott and all the Walcot coaches for their hard work throughout the season, and my sparring partners Hurvin Morgan, Said Salem and my brother Tommy.

“Also a big thanks to my dad Paddy for driving me all over the country for boxing.”

Delighted Walcot chief coach Harry Scott added: “This is another great day in Walcot's history, well done Patrick.

“He is a talented lad who trains hard and deserves his success.”