Islington’s Shaun Thomas was crowned London Elite champion after beating Powerday Hooks ABC’s Edward Barrett on unanimous points at under-60kg.

Islington Gazette: Islington's Shaun Thomas and rival Connor Marsden (pic Reggie Hagland)Islington's Shaun Thomas and rival Connor Marsden (pic Reggie Hagland) (Image: Archant)

Thomas pressured southpaw Barrett onto the back foot throughout, using slick movement and eye-catching rights and lefts at the Royal National Hotel in Russell Square.

And Thomas now goes through to compete in the national pre quarter-finals at Huddersfield Leisure Centre on Saturday.

He beat heavy favourite Connor Marsden (Earlsfield ABC) in the London Elite semi-finals at Tottenham Community Sports Centre, after clearly taking the first round, listening well to his coaches instructions to box on the inside of the tall lightweight.

The second round was much closer, as Marsden went up in gears to level the contest, but Thomas upped his work rate for a unanimous points decision.

Islington Gazette: Islington's Shaun Thomas celebrates (pic Reggie Hagland)Islington's Shaun Thomas celebrates (pic Reggie Hagland) (Image: Archant)

He said: “I’m super happy to become a London champion in my first attempt in the ABA’s. I hope to continue my good run of form in England and progress into the National quarter-finals. The London belt is sitting proudly on the side in my room.”

Jason Mallia (69kg) defeated London semi-finalist Thomas Gallibaith (West Ham) in the only support contest at the London Elite finals.

Mallia, who like Thomas is also a member of the Collingwood BC in Australia, won all three rounds on the judges scorecards outworking the tall welterweight in his second bout since joining Islington.

And he boxed again on the Double Jab ABC show at Lighthouse Theatre, Camberwell on Saturday, beating John Dang from the host club on a unanimous decision, after flooring his rival in the second.

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

Mallia said: “I’m loving it in England, I’ve come to stay in London for a while to gain experience as I find it difficult to get bouts back home in Australia.

“I can’t complain so far, there is a lot of competition here and I’m hopeful to box as often as I can. Islington Boxing Club is keeping me active and I love being on the team, I’ve made the right choice.”

Laura Weis (52kg) returned from injury to face Double Jab’s Laura Leonard and won the first round, but conceded the second and lost a close third.

“You win or you learn. I’m still learning and my first victory will be even sweeter,” said Weis.