WORCESTER super-heavyweight Ashley James saw his national novice championship campaign come to an end in Manchester.

The City Amateur Boxing Club fighter boxed the unbeaten John Ndjebayi of Fox ABC in a tense, well-fought contest, losing narrowly on points.

Ndjebayi came to the ring in fine shape at 100 kilograms, having won all of his 11 bouts.

The slightly heavier and taller James tried to dictate the early exchanges but found the Manchester boxer up for the fight.

The powerful West African Ndjebayi out-worked James with jabs and straight rights.

A fairly even first round was followed by the Manchester fighter pulling away on points in the second.

James could not match his opponent’s work-rate and finished the round 5-3 down.

Knowing a big final round was required, James increased the pressure only to be met by a hard right-hand half-way through the third.

The Worcester competitor won the final round 2-1 but the powerful right hand he had received proved to be the deciding factor.

The judges returned a verdict of 6-5 in favour of Ndjebayi.

Lightweight Dan Davies returned to winning ways with a unanimous points success against Alex Ragonesy of Donnington ABC.

Ragonesy, boxing in front of his home crowd, locked horns with Davies early on and continued the close quarter battle throughout.

The lighter and less experienced Davies was up for the task and refused to be intimidated, coming out on top during most exchanges.

Ragonesy threw plenty of hard left hooks but Davies replied with short upper cuts and straight rights.