TEAM Leigh boxer Paddy Hewitt has been crowned the National Association of Boys & Girls Clubs National Boxing Champion, after taking a points decision win in the Finals held in Bridlington.

After winning the North West 48kg title by beating two local opponents, Paddy then moved on through the competition, beating the Merseyside Champion and becoming the Northern Champion.

In the National Final Hewitt met Portsmouth based Southern Champion Baliegh Hibbs of Arena Boxing Club.

A tough opening round saw Hibbs raining in heavy blows while the Leigh boxer moved and countered with fast combinations.

The second round again saw the powerful Hibbs storming forward and connecting with overhand rights, but Hewitt’s movement and accurate shots began to score with regularity.

The final round saw the Leigh boxer begin to dominate the tiring Hibbs, landing clean, heavy blows.

A clear points victory went to Hewitt who was declared the NABGC National Champion for 2018.

Hewitt now joins five of his current team mates as National Champion, including twin brother William who has already taken two National Titles previously.

Will Hewitt was again selected for England, this time against a very strong Wales squad in Cardiff.

Will boxing at 46kg, was matched against the current Welsh Champion Scott Richards, boxed brilliantly, using movement and classy combinations to continually score clean shots on his opponent.

Taking all three rounds Will was declared a unanimous points winner.

Team Leigh boxer Emily Monks, fresh from winning the Gold Medal and Boxer of the Tournament Silver Medal at the Dublin Esker Box Cup, was crowned North West Junior Development Champion before taking a unanimous National Semi Final victory in Liverpool.

Monks then travelled to Oxfordshire for the National 60kg Final where she met the very experienced Shassan Dutton of Salisbury.

From first round to last the bout proved to be a real brainstormer with neither girl willing to give ground, and pushing each other to their limits.

At the final bell the Salisbury boxer was declared the winner on points, both girls receiving the congratulations of the packed crowd.

A fantastic effort and a great experience for this dedicated Leigh boxer, and she will only improve, Monks attended the England Junior Training Squad in Leeds the following weekend.