Three talented teenagers from a Canterbury-based boxing club have reached national finals.

Prince of Wales Boxing Academy trio Maurice Thomas Jr (over-81kg category) and Sonny Nash (under-54kg), both 16, and 15-year-old Joe Lee (under-66kg) will be in action this weekend.

They will be eyeing glory at the Harvey Hadden Sports Village, Nottingham, where the England Boxing National Junior Championships and Junior Development Championships semi-finals and finals will be held across Saturday and Sunday.

But coach Kevin Place says the club are extremely proud of the lads who are representing them at the big event - regardless of how they perform in the Midlands.

He said: “For the club to put three in and get them all the way to the national finals is a big achievement.

"I’m very pleased with the way they have come on.

“Whatever happens this weekend, where they are up against the best in the country, me and the rest of the coaches are very proud of the boys.”

They came through the national quarter-finals last weekend in Ramsgate where Southern Counties fighters took on London boxers.

Sonny boxed Matthew Moore from Legends Boxing Gym and won unanimously.

Joe took on All Stars Boxing Gym’s Rehrem Ramaz and won on points, while Maurice was given a walkover.

Place also gave thanks to other coaches Martin McKelvie, Kevin O’Rourke and Maurice Thomas Sr for their support during the boys’ journeys.

In total, he says the club looks after between 50 and 60 boys and girls at the club, of which around 15 are presently able to compete in competitive bouts.

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