PADDY DOWNING made an impressive debut to his boxing career, getting a prolonged standing ovation after a narrow points defeat.

He battled the experienced Solomon Quasir all the way in a fight which had the crowd on their feet from the first to last bell.

The 20-year-old (above left) should have a great career ahead of him.

Two of Keighley Boxing Club's schoolboy prospects represented the North of England against the Channel Islands in Jersey. Luke Tuck outpointed Lee Smith of Gernsey in a superb contest, and although Thomas Binns was narrowly out-pointed by the experienced Thomas Murray her did the North of England proud.

Nearer home Matthew Booth, came back from injuries picked up playing football and rugby, to secure an overwhelming first round stoppage victory over Yorkshire Squad member Sean Conway at Huddersfield.

Conway made a Prince Naseem-style entrance into the ring to a great reception, but once the important part of the proceedings began Keighley's own 'Boxing Booth' hit form.

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