Jude English competes for England in final of GB Three Nations boxing tournament

Jude English in her England kit

Hamer boxer Jude English, 14, represented England on Saturday 2 July in the final of the GB Three Nations Boxing Tournament at the Doncaster Dome.

Her opponent and English national schoolgirl champion, Jessica Williams of Mick's Boxing Academy in Selby, came out of the blue corner looking to use her substantial height and reach advantage to keep English at bay while the Hamer girl came out of the red corner intent on taking the fight to Williams right from the start by staying up close and knocking her off her stride.

Williams started the round with swift one-two combinations while English continued to get up close.

The round continued in much the same way until near the end when English drove Williams onto the ropes with telling punches but her corner believed it was not enough to take the round.

At the start of round two English immediately attacked her opponent, forcing her back onto the ropes with solid punches.

Williams knew she was in a fight and appeared reluctant to engage and get involved with a tussle with the Hamer girl.

English took the round impressively.

The contest looked even as the third and final round started.

Williams continued to try and keep English at long range while the Hamer boxer tried to get inside her punches so she could unload her own.

In her determination to impress the judges, English became a little reckless and the national champion caught her a couple of times as she moved into punching distance.

The round was still up for grabs and as it continued it was English who looked to take control by forcing her opponent back onto the ropes with heavy and punishing punches.

It therefore came as a shock to most at the ringside when the judges awarded the bout to Williams.

English was very upset at the decision but the England coach Amanda Coulson, who worked her corner, told the Hamer youngster that she too thought she had won and was very impressed with her performance, so much so that English has been invited to box for England again on 15 July when they travel to Ireland.