Keighley youngster Muhammad Ali has been crowned Yorkshire winner of the National Schoolboys’ Championships.

The 12-year-old with the sport’s most famous name triumphed in the 36 to 38kg final against Doncaster youngster Lewis Booth and goes through to fight the East Midlands title-holder in the next regional stage.

Ali, who is a member of Cleckheaton Boxing Academy, claimed a 5-2 points success at Havercroft near Wakefield.

After an initial burst from Booth, Ali soon found his rhythm to win the opening round 2-0.

He followed that up by winning the next 2-1 when he nearly had his opponent, a member at Doncaster Plant Works Amateur Boxing Club, on a standing eight count. His fitness shone through as the final round was drawn.

Ali, who had already beaten Booth twice before, was given a semi-final bye when his opponent withdrew.

Meanwhile, Keighley Amateur Boxing Club’s Luke Farrell, 15, was bitterly disappointed to miss out by one point in the final of the 66kg category at the same event.

Boxing 6ft 4in Liam Wilson of Rotherham, Farrell had his work cut out. Wilson charged in at the opening bell but the Keighley boxer kept his composure and by the end of the second round had edged into the lead.

In the third round, Farrell took the initiative and chased his now tired opponent around the ring, trying to find a way through.

He was deducted two points for going in with his head low and it cost him the decision by a single point.

  • Keighley ABC hold an open boxing tournament at Keighley Leisure Centre on Friday, February 13. Prices are £6 adults, £4 for under-16s. Local boxers appearing are Majid Ayub, Solail Ayub, Luke Simpson, Josh Stubbs, Jacob Jeffrey, Ryan O’Driscoll, Hassan Iqbal and Farrell.