Telford schoolboy boxing hope Akash Tuqir defeated

Shropshire boxing's hopes of toasting yet another national champion were sent crashing at the very last hurdle.

Akash Tuqir of the Donnington club slipped to defeat in Sunday's ABA schoolboy final.

The 12-year-old from Telford was out-scored 12-8 by Levi Coates - a product of East London's famed Repton club - at Cedar Mount Sports Centre, Manchester.

Akash began the under 32 kilos class one clash an underdog, but at least had the satisfaction of turning the title fight into a crowd-pleasing battle from first bell to last.

Coates, whose brother Obi was beaten in last year's schoolboys final by fellow Donnington scrapper Liam Davies, showed fast hands and a sound boxing brain against a fighter who held all the physical advantages.

He built a handy lead against fellow southpaw Tuqir early on and never let it slip.

Akash, winner of eight of his 11 fights going into the final, needed to throw caution to the wind in the last, but couldn't find that extra gear.

Donnington boss Brian Davies commented: "Akash had a good first round and although he was trailing, we weren't too worried.

"He was instructed to go for it in the last, but it didn't happen. That allowed Coates to keep the initiative down the stretch."

But Davies added: "Losing a schoolboy final is not the end of the world.

"Akash boxed well and it was a good contest. He can learn from it."

Akash trailed 4-2 at the end of a quiet first, but gave Coates plenty to think about.

The second was tougher, with Levi landing crisp combinations on his way to a healthy, 8-4 lead.

The expected comeback failed to materialise in the last, with Akash boxing cautiously at distance.

Coates kept his boxing together and was never in danger of letting his lead slip.

It's a heart-breaker for Akash, but, in defeat, he proved he can compete at a higher level.

By MIKE LOCKLEY