England honour for Blinkhorn

6:30am Tuesday 16th September 2008

TEENAGE boxer Chris Blinkhorn has been picked to represent England in the ABA match against Wales in Cardiff at the end of October.

The 17-year-old Withins School fighter was narrowly beaten at Bolton Town Hall on Saturday as youngsters from boxing clubs throughout the region took part in a multiple bout.

He was defeated by the vastly more experienced 22-year-old Paul Butler, of Vauxhall Motors, Ellesmere Port, by just two points.

But it was a valuable experience for the promising youngster who almost upset the odds against the Great Britain Olympic squad member.

And it was a good night also for Withins’ 15-year-old Ben Broadhurst from Tonge Moor, who stopped his opponent in the first round in only his second ever bout.

Raza Ali, also 15, and only 5ft 4ins, also tasted victory against a 6ft opponent, while 11-year-olds Jordan Wood and G Sikander also impressed.

Withins’ Danny Maree, aged 15, fought his first bout and was narrowly beaten.