Boxing: Skerton’s Vidal Junior lifts national title

The resort’s top amateur boxing prospect is a national champion.
Andre Vidal Junior.Andre Vidal Junior.
Andre Vidal Junior.

Skerton Amateur Boxing Club’s Andre Vidal Junior enhanced his growing reputation by winning the 66kg category at the England Boxing Junior Novice Championships on Saturday.

The 15-year-old Morecambe Community High School pupil’s win in the Isle of Sheppey, Kent, means he is the number one in the country for his weight and age and will now get the chance to represent England.

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Vidal Junior was a unanimous points winner over Ewan Jenkins of Bristol’s Empire Boxing Club to take the coveted crown at Merlins Nightclub, Leysdown-on-Sea.

Skerton Amateur Boxing Club's Andre Vidal Junior, left, with his final opponent Ewan Jenkins.Skerton Amateur Boxing Club's Andre Vidal Junior, left, with his final opponent Ewan Jenkins.
Skerton Amateur Boxing Club's Andre Vidal Junior, left, with his final opponent Ewan Jenkins.

Coach Paul Fielding said: “Andre’s success shows just how far you can go and what can be achieved if you have the dedication and will to succeed.

“This sport is not easy and you have to commit 100 per cent effort continuously.

“Andre will be back in the gym after a week off to recuperate but that is his nature, he’s a fighter and wants to continue improving with every fight.”

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Vidal Junior made the more than 300 mile trip on Friday to ensure the best possible preparation for the fight. 
The stage was set for a fascinating contest with the Morecambe prospect having won 14 of his 15 previous bouts and the Bristol youngster 12 of 13.

Vidal Junior pushed Jenkins back from the opening bell as he tried to claim the centre of the ring.

The Bristol fighter came back in the second round however, hitting some clean shots of his own.

The final round was to be decisive and it was the Morecambe boxer who took the initiative, with Jenkins having a point deducted as he tried to stay in the fight.

After the final bell Vidal Junior’s hand was raised as he was crowned champion of England.

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