Jude English wins schoolgirl international boxing contest

Jude English in her England kit and the medal she won

Jude English, 14, competed in an historic night of boxing when she represented England and won in the first ever schoolgirl international boxing contest against the Republic Of Ireland at the National Stadium in Dublin on Friday 15 July.

From the start English showed her intent as she forced her opponent, Zoe McGlone of Emerald Boxing Club, back into the neutral corner with sturdy punches.

The Irish girl regained her composure and began to use her jab but English dipped her shoulders to move in before unloading punches to the head.

With both girls looking to establish their jabs, English impressed the judges by following up with combinations.

English used the ring with clever footwork, waiting for McGlone to move forward with punches of her own but every time she did English countered to the head to win the round.

The Irish international came out for the second round with a determined approach but she was met by an equally determined English.

English continued to allow her opponent to lead with her jab and leaning back out of harms way before stepping back into range with punishing punches to the head that forced McGlone back across the ring. It was a tactic that worked superbly and when the Irish international did step back, English was quick to move forward with more telling punches to take round two.

Beore the start of the third and final round England coach, Amanda Coulson told English not to become complacent, to remember that she was in someone else’s backyard and that the judging of the bout might be a close affair.

The bell for the last round rang and both girls met in the middle of the ring.

McGlone tried to throw a jab which didn't land, while English connected with two jabs of her own before dipping her shoulders and moving in to force her opponent back onto the ropes with a combination of punches to the head.

Again English used the ring while McGlone pursued her.

Realising that the Irish international was not as effective in her approach and that her work was laboured, English began to push forward more, hoping to take the eye of the judges.

When the bell rang to end the contest English was awarded the bout by a unanimous decision.

England coach Amanda Coulson said: "That was the best I have seen this girl box up to now. She is a talented individual who could go far in this sport if she knuckles down in her gym back home and continues to listen and learn."