Islington Boxing Club had seven national finalists at the England Boxing Development Championships in Banbury – and saw two crowned champions.

Islington Gazette: Islington's Laura Weis (pic Reggie Hagland)Islington's Laura Weis (pic Reggie Hagland) (Image: Archant)

Lina Dhayatkar made her debut in the Class A, under-51kg final against Jessica McAuley (Army) and was given an early standing eight count.

And after another in the second, Dhayatkar was retired on her stool before the final round.

Laura Weis faced unbeaten Linda Walkker (Alliance BA) in the under-54kg final and began well, building a good lead in the first two rounds.

A close third round followed, but Weis had done enough to earn a unanimous points win and Reggie Hagland said: “Laura has come a long way in just under a year. She made her competitive debut on our home show last December and heading into the championships only had one win from four contests which we felt was harsh.

Islington Gazette: Islington's Masood Abdullah receives his certificate from Gethin Jenkins (pic Reggie Hagland)Islington's Masood Abdullah receives his certificate from Gethin Jenkins (pic Reggie Hagland) (Image: Archant)

“This week will mark a year since she was promoted to our senior competitive squad via our senior academy class. She is a dedicated boxer and fully deserves to be a national champion, we are all very pleased with her efforts.”

Masood Abdullah was also crowned champion after beating Jordan Sawyers (Dunston) on a unanimous decision, winning the first two rounds comfortably with shots to the head and body.

The pair accidentally clashed in the third, which cut Masood open and the doctor ruled him out of the contest, but the judges still scored in his favour.

Hagland added: “Masood has been a nearly man on a couple of occasions losing only a few contests on close split decisions. He left no stone unturned as he gained revenge for his defeat in the Box Cup and boxing sensible during the championships.

“He is a talented boxer and now an elite and will be boxing at a level above. Both he and the club know no contest will be easy.”

Slavisa Gegic saw his 21-0 record broken by Yusuf Abdullah (South Wye) in a very close 3-2 split decision, after forcing his rival to take a standing count.

And Sunni Torgman was beaten in a final for the second time by a very strong and tough Simone Thompson (Lambton Street ABC).

Charlotte Briant was beaten on a unanimous decision by Jodie Wilkinson (Tigers Gym), while Chris Cunningham lost to Harry Evans (Golden Gloves ABC).