A local young boxer is proving to be a real knockout in the ring.
Twelve-year-old Sean Finney is a Selby Boxing Academy product who is now the Under-52kg National Schools champion and has secured a place on the England Team. Sean is the youngest of four brothers that have all boxed for Selby Boxing Academy over the last 10 years. After entering the National Schools tournament five weeks ago kids have to nix their way through the early rounds. Last weekend saw the national semi-finals on Saturday, with the winners then boxing in the finals on Sunday.
On Saturday, Sean defeated an opponent with three times his experience on points to progress to the finals on Sunday. Once there, Sean then defeated a a fighter with four times his experience, winning the national title on a unanimous points decision. The achievement meant Sean secured a place on the England team and will be part of the selection in June for the European Championships.
Sean’s coach Mickey, said: “We’ve worked extremely hard the last few weeks. “I’ve pushed Sean hard, and we’ve travelled all over the North sparring with kids 18 months to two years older than him, and with fighters four or five times more experienced. “Sean has never complained, done everything I’ve asked of him, and it paid off for him this weekend. “The golden gloves are one of the hardest things to achieve in amateur boxing. There is only one National governing body (England Boxing) so to win such a title is a huge achievement for kids this age and I’m so extremely proud of him. “Sean remains unbeaten and he only started competing this season when it started in September with his first fight in November. “Only three kids have ever gone the distance with him, and those were his first fight and the two bouts this weekend. “He definitely has a very bright future in the sport and his journey is only just starting.” (18-05-721 SU)
