Medal for Telford schoolboy boxer Akash Tuqir

The pint-sized son of a Telford taxi-driver has given Shropshire boxing a massive boost by capturing a gold medal for his country.

Akash Tuqir was crowned schoolboy Tri-nations champion at the weekend - and, in the process, became officially the best 12-year-old boxer at under 32 kilos in England, Scotland and Wales.

The success at Manchester's Boxing Centre of Excellence more than made-up for the disappointment of Akash's February points defeat in the national schoolboy finals.

His conqueror on that occasion, Levi Coates, was forced to pull out of the Tri-nations so Akash stepped in at a week's notice and dominated the competition.

He beat Scottish champ Dylan Arbuckle 13-4 on Friday, forcing his opponent to take a count on the way.

In the final, held on Saturday, he out-scored fellow England rep Levi Lee 15-5.

Akash's proud dad, Hadley-based Amjid, said: "We're over the moon.

"Akash didn't feel he did himself justice in the national schoolboy finals. I think the occasion, the big stage, got to him.

"We told Akash this was the chance to make up for that disappointment and he grabbed it with both hands. He was too good — the scores show that."

Donnington boss Brian Davies said: "Akash boxed very, very well and, to be honest, I got a bit emotional."

But Davies stressed Akash and Donnington ABC will be parting company at season's end.

"It's the best for all concerned," he added.

By MIKE LOCKLEY