Wolvercote middleweight Steve Mullins booked a starring role on amateur boxing's night of the year, the ABA finals, after a polished points win over Devon rival Luke Whane in the semi-finals at the Preston Guild Hall at the weekend.

He set the pace early in his encounter by landing neat hooks with both hands and his resolute defence gave his opponent few opportunities to reply.

Whane, much taller than the Witney man and a former light heavyweight, was unable to use his natural assets.

And he suffered the same frustration when he tried to switch his attack to the body after gaining little reward in his attempts to the head.

Mullins always had more in reserve and was deservedly ahead as the bout entered the final round.

Whane then attempted to redress the balance by trying to embroil his Oxfordshire opponent in a war during the final two minutes.

But the gap was too large to bridge and it was the Wolvercote ABC man whose arm was lifted in triumph by referee Jim Coffey.

"I'm glad to get to the ABA final as it helps make up for the disappointment of last year when I lost a controversial decision to Andrew Blackett," said the jubilant Mullins.

"Whane was strong and powerful, but that is what you expect from someone who has come down from light heavy.

"But he lacked the hand speed of a middleweight and that's why I'm going to London and he's not."

Mullins now meets Dale Youth rival James Degal at the London ExCel Centre on March 18 and is confident about his chances.

"He is a tall southpaw, but I saw him beat Stuart McCrone on points in the other semi-final and I know I can beat him," Mullins added.

Apart from a lot of work in the gym, there is one element in his preparations that will remain ahead of the final.

Mullins explained: "After the weigh-in before each fight in the ABA championships I've settled down to a roast beef dinner, and that is what will happen in London.

"Boxers are superstitious, so that is one thing that is not going to change."