Darren Tetley is through to the national novice semi-finals after making the most of his second chance.

The 16-year-old, from the Cleckheaton Boxing Academy, had been eliminated from the class B 60kg category by four-time national champion Henry Thomas.

But Darlington’s Thomas was forced to pull out of the competition after being picked for the world junior championships.

Tetley, who previously boxed for the Karmand club in Barkerend, was reinstated – and produced a battling display to overcome the dangerous Zak Smith.

Tetley trailed Smith, from Liverpool’s Tower Hill, 3-1 at the end of the first round and was still a point adrift on the computer scoring after two.

But he pulled it back in the final round to take a 7-5 verdict, booking his place in the national semis for the second year running.

Coach Keith Tate said: “Darren had an absolutely terrific bout with Thomas and most people at ringside thought our lad had won it.

“But Zak’s record was just as good so it was no easier. Darren is really boxing very well, though, and deserved to go through.”

The semi-finals take place in Wakefield on Sunday, March 14.