Both Oxfordshire contenders are through to the semi-finals of this year's NACYP championships after impressive victories at Southampton.

Oxford Boxing Academy bantamweight Jordan Ottwell, 17, shrugged off flu to get the better of Fisher Downside rival Danny Carr.

This was an intense four-round Class C encounter with the Kidlington teenager displaying the better technical skills to gain the decision.

And Berinsfield's Harley Mace always held the upper hand in his Class B flyweight clash with Marvel's Lane rival Michael Shannon.

Always slicker on the counter, he picked off his London opponent during the first two rounds to open up a wide margin before cruising to victory.

Mace takes on Joshua Brain (Premier ABC) and Ottwell faces Kieron John (Gwynfi ABC) at Cwmbran on February 23.

But there was disappointment at Bethnal Green for the area's two regional champions when they took on their London counterparts in this year's Golden Gloves title chase.

Berinsfield flyweight Will Joyce, 14, lost by the very slimmest of points margins to 2006 champion John McDonagh.

But he made the Stowe southpaw battle all the way to the bell and was unlucky not to see his arm raised - underlining his considerable improvement this season.

And Bradley Townsend, from the Oxford Boxing Academy, also delivered an excellent account against Dale Youth's Sean Robinson before losing on points.

THAME'S teenage welterweight Aleem Aunka proved far too strong for Marlow's Michael Edwards at High Wycombe.

He upended his rival with a solid right towards the end of opening period then connected with the same fist to stun prompt a second count shortly after the interval that prompted referee Jim Coffey to immediately step in.

Banbury lightweight Imie Khandokar dominated from the bell to romp to a convincing victory over Luton Farleys Zak Hussain.

Blackbird Leys welterweight Mavrik Harding began well against khaki rival Gavin McGee in the annual match between the Home Counties and the Army at the same venue.

Teeing neat shots off the jab to head and body, he outworked his opponent to claim the opening round.

But the soldier rallied strongly after the interval then maintained the edge to clinch the verdict.