St Mary’s boxer Jaylan Howell has become a national champion.

The youngster clinched his medal at the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (NABGC) Boxing Championship finals which were recently held in Bridlington.

Howell was competing in the Class A under-48kg final against JC Boxing Academy’s Mason Wainwright.

He warmed into the first round and had the better of the exchanges in the last minute after Wainwright started well.

There was a change of plan for Howell in the second round as his signature check hook was ineffective and he had to opt for straight shots and work on the inside.

Both boxers performed well in the third round but Howell landed the more eye-catching shots and outworked his opponent. The judges agreed, with a 4-1 split making Howell the Medway club’s first national champion of the season.