Boxing skills of Joe Hughes are soon in evidence at Bristol (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Boxing skills of Joe Hughes are soon in evidence at Bristol

MALMESBURY Amateur Boxing Club's Joe Hughes successfully negotiated his first challenge on the road to the Western Counties Schoolboy finals last Saturday in Bristol.

Walcot's Richard Spruce presented the opening obstacle in the divisional semi-final and proved to be a worthy adversary.

Taller than his stocky rival, Spruce started aggressively but found the Malmesbury boy an elusive target.

Hughes' jab got through the Swindon boy's guard repeatedly in the first and second rounds and some spectacular left hooks also got home as Spruce was forced on the ropes.

Finely balanced after two rounds, Hughes launched a concerted attack in the last, scoring well to head and body to clinch the judges' vote.

Hughes now meets Glouces-ter's Sam Pomphrey in the divisional final at Bristol's Jury's Hotel on Monday.

With no-one entered at their weight or age, clubmates Luke Stevens and Richard Sheppard were given walkovers.