WALCOT boxer Ryan Martin completed a national title double for the season when he won the Royal Navy Junior ABA title at the Barnsley Metrodome.

With temperatures in the 80s the 16-year-old Greendown pupil beat Midlands champion Steed Woodhall in a class four, 70kgs thriller, having already won the NACYP title earlier in the season.

Conceding height and weight to the Midlander, Martin found it difficult to land punches with his usual fluency early on, and was 3-2 down after the opening round.

The middle session developed into a close, tactical battle between the two former schools’ champions, with each scoring three points each.

So Martin was 6-5 down going into the final round.

Two minutes of sheer guts and determination saw the Walcot boxer land with several scoring shots to take the round 4-0 and clinch the title by a 9-6 margin.

Martin said: “That was the hardest contest in my 26-fight career.

“Full marks to Steed Woodhall who pushed me all the way.

“I would like to thank all the coaches at Walcot, especially Harry Scott, for all their hard work with me this season.

“I would also like to thank all my family and friends who have travelled to support me today, especially my parents Lee and Vincenza, who have supported me since I joined Walcot as a seven-year-old.”

Coach Scott added: “Ryan was slightly below par but his class carried him through. He injured his right hand a couple of weeks ago so he has had an interrupted preparation for this contest.

“Woodhall was big and strong but Ryan had a great third round which turned the bout around.

“To my knowledge he is the first Swindon boxer to win two national titles in one season.

“He has done Walcot proud once again this season.”

After a season on their travels, Walcot’s boxers get the chance to parade their skills in front of a Swindon crowd this Friday when the club hosts a show at the Premier Club in Stratton.

There will be around 18 contests, mostly featuring Walcot boxers Confirmed bouts include former National Schoolboy Champion Connor Wells tackling old foe Levi Raymond of Stevenage, and England Schoolboy Tommy McDonagh versus Poole’s Elliot Mason.

Walcot’s unbeaten rising star Kieran O’Donoghue meets Clarke Gutteridge of Poole, whilst Western Counties Schoolboy Champion Patrick McDonagh faces Corey Westbrook of Tiverton.

Giving proceedings a touch of glamour will be the newly-crowned Miss Swindon Emma-Jayne Slater.

The event is sponsored by Gibbs Surfacing Ltd, with doors opening at 7pm this Friday and the boxing action starting at 8pm.

Tickets are selling fast and can be obtained from Harry Scott on 01793 490996.

Admission is £8 in advance or £10 at the door.

All bouts subject to availability.