DROITWICH Amateur Boxing Club fighter Charles Delve shaped up well in his two bouts representing Young England in France.

The 17-year-old from Bromsgrove lost both bouts against experienced internationals but greatly impressed national team manager and head coach Mick Gannon.

Delve was called in to the team at a week's notice and faced up to a fine French boxer who had performed well in an Irish tournament recently.

Although the Worcestershire teenager was a couple of points behind, he performed superbly with cracking back-hand shots.

In his second bout, Delve started promisingly with fine long-range boxing but was caught by a swinging left hand which grounded him.

The English fighter returned to his feet virtually straight away but his coach decided to err on the side of caution and threw in the towel.

Droitwich coach Chris Andrews said: "He was called up without any special preparation, without knowing the England coaches or other boxers, but I understand he fitted in extremely well and gave the performance of his life.

"I was concerned that being thrown in at this level without proper preparation could undermine his confidence but he has come back bubbling and keen to get back in to the ring and to test himself again against the best.

"We are hoping he will now get the call up for regular England squad training and that next time he is selected he will be ready for it. He sets a terrific example at the club and hopefully will be blazing a trail which others from our talented squad will follow."

At Hinckley, Frankie Butler, 17, put up a brave display when narrowly out-pointed in the Midlands section of the Clubs for Young People Championships. He fought Midlands champion Adam Hale.

On Sunday, two more club hopefuls, 12-year-olds David Butler and Josh Turner, battle for Midlands titles in the National Cadet Championships in Coventry.