WORCESTER super heavy-weight Ashley James beat Josh Mitchell of Wye to claim the West Midlands novice title at Ludlow’s racecourse.

James used his superior reach advantage to out-jab his opponent throughout the contest. A hard right from the Worcester boxer slowed the initial onslaught from Mitchell, who brawled his way forward.

The contest at times was untidy, with James, who is the cousin of England rugby star Luke Narraway, unable to get many clean punches off due to Mitchell’s persistent holding and spoiling.

However, the Wye brawler remained a constant threat with the occasional swinging haymaker.

The Worcester boxer deserved to win his place in the Midland final against the Birmingham district champion, as confirmation from the judges came by way of a unanimous points margin.

Other Worcester boxers were not so successful during the show.

Light welterweight Dan Davies came unstuck against Eric Sharpe of Graisley ABC.

Davies, instead of his usual aggressive attacking approach, opted to box against a cagey Sharpe. This proved to be his undoing and periods of inactivity cost him dearly.

Light middleweight Amar Hussain lost to Cradley Heath’s Danny Yates. Hussain started well, firing out fast, straight punches.

However, two knock-downs left the Worcester corner no option other than to retire their fighter.