Merhan Khan wins Junior Northwest Regional final

"Mighty" Merhan Khan

'Mighty' Merhan Khan, of Hamer ABC, beat Andre Vidal, of Skerton ABC, in the 75kg to 81kg Junior Northwest Regional final at The Lighthouse in Salford on Saturday 30 January.

The 6ft 7in, 17-year-old Hamer boxer entered the ring very calm and confident as he towered over Vidal when they met in the centre of the ring for instructions from the referee.

It was evident right from the start that the former National Champion Vidal would struggle to get to Khan as the Rochdale youth used his incredible height and reach advantage to keep him at bay.

Khan continued to establish his jab and keep Vidal at range and as his muscular opponent rushed in, Khan unloaded heavy one-twos that continually knocked Vidal's head back to take the round.

Before the start of round two Khan was told by his coach Steven Connellan to follow up with a double jab, right cross when he had Vidal hurt and backing off and the Hamer youth followed instructions to good effect as he continued to land heavy blows before moving out of range with neat footwork.

It was evident that the Skerton corner had told Vidal that he was behind in the bout and that he had it all to do if he was to get back into the contest because on the sound of the third and final bell he rushed out throwing heavy blows looking for the knockout.

Khan stayed cool and used clever tactics to tire his opponent and stifle his work.

The contest became a little scruffy but it suited Kerhan and although he was tired he was still in control.

With only a minute to go Khan began to establish his distance once again and knowing that Vidal was spent and very tired he began to unload long and punishing punches to the face and head, and it became evident that Vidal had been in a fight when his face began to swell from the heavy blows he was taking.

Khan was awarded the contest by unanimous decision, giving Hamer another champion to add to the three they gained last year.