Islington BC heavyweight Sherif Musah progressed to the London semi-finals of the England Boxing Elite Championships with a split decision against Stonebridge’s Michael Olabridge.

Musah started well in the opening round of his North West London 91kg final at Hayes Working Men’s Club, but began boxing on the retreat in the second and Olabridge grew stronger as the fight progressed.

Although the Stonebridge fighter applied the pressure in the final round, Musah’s earlier work was enough to earn him a majority verdict and take him through to the next stage.

He now faces Jake Caswell (Earlsfield ABC) in the London semi-finals on Thursday night at Fairfield Halls, Croydon.

Musah will be the Hazellville Road club’s only representative in Croydon after team-mate Troy Smart was defeated in his North West London 56kg final against Joey Teal (Dale Youth ABC).

Teal had defeated the Islington boxer in two divisional finals last year – and he completed a hat-trick, taking a unanimous decision to secure the title.

Smart looked cautious in the first two rounds, showing his opponent too much respect as his shots were stifled by the tight guard of Teal, who responded with counter-punches.

And, although Smart stepped up his work-rate in the final round, it was not enough to swing the decision in his favour.

Islington BC will be holding their next dinner show at the Royal National Hotel, Russell Square, on Friday May 6. Dinner is at 7.30pm, with boxing due to get under way at 9pm.

Tickets are priced at £65 for a three-course meal and a bottle of wine, with tables of 10 available. Standing tickets are priced at £20, with a limited number available on the night.

For information about tickets, programme advertisement or sponsorship packages, call Mick Doherty on 07921 724 601 or email ibcmc@hotmail.com