BOXING: Carl Fail claims Scotland gold

Fail was picked to represent England in Dunfermline at 69kg after winning last month’s Elite Championship.

And the 19-year-old southpaw was to come home with gold after hugely impressive unanimous points wins over Dennis Broadhurst and Fraser Gorn.

Broadhurst is the Scottish champion and Fail comprehensively outboxed him in their semi-final.

“As soon as I found my range, he couldn’t hit me,” Fail said.

He then went on to drop Gorn in the opening round on the way to another points win 24 hours later.

“They were both strong, mature seniors who went looking for the big shots,” said Fail.

“The coaches told me to keep it long, throw the one-two and move off.

“We were told we would have to win the bouts clearly up there and I won both my bouts comfortably enough.

“I’ve had two bouts in two days and haven’t got a mark on me.

“It was a great experience. I really enjoyed it.

“Not many English boxers can say they’ve beaten a Scottish boxer in Scotland.”

Fail can also say he’s won the Elite Championship at the first attempt - the final against Ekow Essuman in Liverpool last month was just his seventh senior bout - and he will surely be added to the Great Britain Podium Potential squad.

He said: “I’ve got one more assessment and then I will have to wait to see what the coaches decide.

“I’m doing everything right.

“I’m winning the tournaments and I think I’ve proved I’m the best.

“I just have to keep working hard. I train two or three times every day.

“I get up early and go to bed late - and the hard work is paying off.

“I really do believe I’m the best in the country.”

Meanwhile, Far Cotton’s Godley Thiaba took to the canvas to face Jordan Keyes (Rayleigh Boxing Club) on Saturday.

Thiaba won the fight by a stoppage (TKO)on the second round.

It was his second win via stoppage in as many bouts.

Louie Oliver was also in action as he headed to Brentwood.

Oliver lost on a split decision in a fight that could have gone either way.

Joy for James as he makes Schoolboy final

Kings Heath ABC ace Oliver James cruised into the final of the Schoolboy Championships after a win in Liverpool last weekend.

James beat Adam Earnshaw (Hamer) on a unanimous decision at Croxteth Leisure Centre following a stylish and strong display.

And he will now fight in the showpiece at Grantham Manes Leisure Centre in Lincolnshire on Saturday.

Despite conceding height advantage, the consistency of head and body punching and equally high work rate of James proved to be the telling factor in the semi-final.

He continually pushed his opponent on to the back foot in a fast-paced final-four clash.

All three judges scored it 10-9 in favour of the Kings Heath boxer in each round in a competitive bout of skilful boxing

James now goes on to meet Benjamin Brown (Trumpington) in the final with both boxers having lost only one bout each in their fledgling amateur careers.

“Oliver has been very impressive throughout this competition, but no final is easy,” said Kings Heath head coach Arthur Daly.

“He is in a good place physically and mentally and he is really looking forward to it.

“Ultimately, it is on the day, but one more controlled performance and he will complete a unique brotherly double.

“But it is also very satisfying from the club’s perspective, with the continuity of different boxers, at all levels, reaching the latter stages of national competitions.”

Meanwhile, Eithan James completed his second weekend with the England squad in preparation for this month’s European Championships in Hungary.

And Daly is delighted with the way his young charge has been handling life at international level.

The coach said: “Eithan was put through a very hard programme over three days.

“He has been on the receiving end of some very positive feedback from England’s top coaches and that is very pleasing.”