A HEREFORD boxer marked his 23rd birthday in style by being crowned Northern area boxing champion at the 69 kilogramme category.

Yusuf Abdallah, is rising through the boxing ranks and impressing on his way.

At Croxteth Sports Centre in Liverpool last weekend he fought for the Northern title and will now fight for the National title this weekend in Oxford.

Also fighting for the National title in the women's category is Midlands Champion Shay Jarrett.

Mick Maguire, England Boxing Club Development officer and National coach said: "South Wye Police Boxing Academy, now have two national finalists in the championships, that will probably put the club in the top 10 per cent of boxing clubs nationally.

"It's a pleasure to see how this club has developed from a small club with limited success, to one of the biggest in the area taking teams to international tournaments and becoming the success that it is today."

Coach Vince McNally said he was 'over the moon' to have two of his fighters in the finals.

"It's the first time in the 18 years since we've been here that anybody has got through to the final," said McNally.

"Yusuf has done so well and the club are going from strength to strength with our competitive boxers and the community work we are doing as well.

"The Southern Champion who Yusuf is up against has never lost and is undefeated so it will be a tough fight. As a club we are over the moon with their boxing."

The Hinton based club will be putting on their Christmas show on the December 15, at Hereford Sixth Form College, for tickets or further information please contact 07525452110