YOUNG Kent boxer James Chiericato has reached the finals of the National Schoolboy Championships. Chiericato, a Canterbury Boxing Club member, was a unanimous points winner against Danny Murphy, from Finchley, in the semi-final at Dachett, near Windsor.

He now competes in the final against Nick Quigley, of Tower Hill ABC, Liverpool, at the Barnsley Metrodome on Saturday, March 9.

Coach Dave Kenward said they were quietly confident. He said: "James has a distinct advantage over his opponent - his height. James is usually a head taller than his rivals and has been expertly coached by Roy Parry and Kevin Place in how to cope with the inevitable infighting. This enables James to keep his opponent on the end of his long punches."

If he does win, 13-year-old Chiericato, who lives in Whitstable and goes to the town's Community College, will become the club's first national champion since Bob May guided Henry Lee to victory nearly a decade ago.