THERE was European euphoria for Droitwich Boxing Club’s Joe Doyle when he won the prestigious Monkstown International Box Cup in Ireland.

Doyle was victorious after a gruelling three days in Dublin where he won three bouts against stiff opposition to win the 36-kilogramme category of Europe’s largest boxing tournament for juniors.

The Spa youngster outpointed Northern Ireland champion John Ward in his first fight and then defeated Ireland’s number one Karl Sheridan to set up a final against Tariq Agius, the two-time England national champion from London.

Despite boxing six rounds the previous two days, the two fighters demonstrated blistering speed and power in a tough contest with Doyle clinching the judges’ votes and the gold medal for his superior showing in the opening and third rounds.

He bounced back in style from a narrow defeat in the England National Schools Championship final.

His delighted coach and father Jayson said: “We thought Joe had done enough to win the national title so to lose by just one point was disappointing and a tough decision to take after a lot of hard work.

“But these things happen. Joe will learn from the experience and to put that behind him, we knew he needed to impress in Ireland in Europe’s biggest junior tournament.

“He did that convincingly against three very strong boxers with excellent reputations, so it was a very worthwhile and rewarding trip.”