Newell has eyes on title repeat

John Newell: top form

BOXING: OLDHAM fighter John Newell blasted through to the junior ABA national final after a 15-10 triumph over Birmingham’s Sam Eggington.

The 17-year-old won every round at Wakefield Leisure Centre and will defend his 75kg title in Kent on the weekend of May 21 and 22.

His opponent is yet to be confirmed, but the champion hopes it will be a like-minded boxer who enjoys a good old-fashioned spat.

“I never worry about who I am up against, but my preference would be someone who comes to fight and put on a show for the crowd,” said Newell, who lives in Royton.

“That is what I like to do and I think it is the way it should be. We should all try to entertain the people who come to watch.”

Newell will spend the next week preparing at Shannon and Ancoats gym, before winding down in the build up to the fight.

“I will be going all out for the next few days in training, but then it is important to relax,” he added.

Proud dad Tony believes his son’s current form bodes well ahead of the final.

He said: “John hit his stride in the semi-final.

“It should be noted that Eggington is a very tough opponent. The majority of his opponents this year have been knocked out.

“You could just tell he was waiting to unload a big bomb against John, but he never got the chance because John kept going with his jab before unleashing three or four beautiful combinations.

“Eggington was quite resilient and came back into it a bit halfway through, but in the end John wore him down.

“Obviously we are all looking forward to the final and are keen to find out who the opponent will be, and whether it is on the Saturday or Sunday.

“Until then all John can do is work hard and concentrate on himself.”