Published: Friday, 12th March, 2010 1:00pm

Lightning strikes for Slough in national Championships

Boxing

Lee Buckland, Larry Murphy and Mark Jago.

'LIGHTNING' Larry Murphy was crowned national school boys champion on Saturday despite having to overcome a personal tragedy just a day before.

Murphy, 14, from Wraysbury fights at the Slough Amateur Boxing Club and beat Jon Mongon on a majority points decision.

However, it was tinged with sadness as unfortunately his brother in law died after a car crash in Germany and the victory was dedicated to him.

Junior coach Mark Jago commented: "About 24 hours before the fight his brother in law got killed in a car crash. He's only 14 so only a bab , anything could happen so we said to him 'if you don't want to box you shouldn't'. He had done excellently anyway.

"But he decided to, wasn't at his best but still won so that was excellent."

On Monday evening Geoffrey Dixon boxed and also won on a majority decision to keep Slough ABC's unbeaten run going this season.

"It's been brilliant this year," remarked Jago. "We haven't had a defeat, unbelievable.

"We are all very proud of the boys especially seeing as we haven't had a school boy champion since the early 80s.

"Larry has been a good example to the other boys. Coming to us at the age of 12 and now winning this title. It shows everyone what can be achieved through discipline and hard work."

Jimmy Smith, aged 12, from Slough but fighting for Repton ABC saw off stiff competition in the 44kg final of the competition from Khaleel Majid representing Bridgewater Salford ABC.

He said: "It was a very hard bout but it was really good.

"I've been training very hard for it so am really pleased to have won."