WALCOT ABC are celebrating two Golden Gloves national finalists after Ryan Martin and Tommy McDonagh both won their semi-finals at the Connaught Leisure Centre, in Aldershot, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

Ryan Martin celebrated his 14th birthday in style with a first-round stoppage win over Repton's Tommy Carr.

While McDonagh beat Yahia Chelly from Dale Youth, another top London club, by a 4-2 points margin.

The amateur code's governing body, the ABA, recently stated that any boxer reaching the national final would compete for England before the end of the season, adding extra importance to an already prestigious competition.

Martin, last season's Class One featherweight champion stepped up to lightweight for his Class Two clash, the Greendown schoolboy attacking from the outset and landing with a left hook/straight right combination which floored the young Londoner.

He bravely rose to his feet to beat the referee's count, but his corner wisely threw the towel in to save him from further punishment.

A delighted Martin said: "Repton are a top club and I'm delighted to have won against them inside a round.

"Now I have an England vest to look forward to, which is the best birthday present I could have wished for.'' As the scoreline suggests, McDonagh's bout was a close contest between two determined young boxers.

The Walcot youngster started a little nervously in front of the packed crowd, but found his rhythm as the bout progressed.

He landed with left jabs and straight rights to just edge the contest.

However, there was disappointment for 14-year-old Joe Buckley in his bout with Andrew Doe of Bushey.

A muscle injury in his right arm forced his withdrawal at the end of the opening round.

Nevertheless, Walcot's chief coach Harry Scott was in jubilant mood, saying: "Congratulations to Ryan and Tommy on winning.

"They both boxed well, and we now have two weeks to prepare them for the final.

"Joe was unlucky with his injury, but when he came back to the corner he said he couldn't use his right, so I had no choice but to pull him out.' The finals will be held on Saturday, March 8, at the Knottingley Leisure Centre, near Leeds.