Oxford Boxing Academy bantamweight Jordan Ottwell, 17, booked his place in the finals of this year's NACYP championships with a determined points victory over Gwynfi ABC rival Kieron John at Cwmbran, south Wales.

And yet again the Kidlington teenager (pictured) had to overcome another battle before getting into the ring - he beat a 'flu virus in the previous round at Southampton and a stomach bug curtailed his semi-final preparations.

There was little to separate the pair during the first three rounds of this intense Class C encounter with the Welsh contender having a slight edge entering the final session.

Then Ottwell pulled out all stops to catch his rival with sweeping hooks, precise uppercuts and timely screw shots to gain a decisive 15-11 victory on the computerised scoring system.

He now faces Young England international Daniel Walton from Birmingham in the final at Chelsea FC's Stamford Bridge stadium on Friday, March 7.

And Ottwell can't wait for the trip to London.

"It is going to be a really big occasion as this is a British title - the Irish, Welsh and the Scottish boxers all participate in this competition," he said.

"And with former winners like Amir Khan, it adds extra prestige to the title."

Ottwell's success has created an interersting dilemma for his coach Faz Keyani.

He said: "They changed the night for the final in the last few weeks. I'm supposed to go to the New Theatre to see Swan Lake on the same evening, so what do I choose ballet or boxing?"

But there was disappointment for Berinsfield's Harley Mace in Wales.

He rallied too late in his Class B flyweight clash with Welsh rival Joshua Brain, whose slicker counter-punching secured the first two rounds.

The brave Oxfordshire teenager refused to capitulate and started to scythe through the guard with some meaningful right hands to claim the final session.

However, Brain (Premier ABC) had a big enough points tally to weather the storm and book his place in the finals.

Berinsfield coach Mel Corrigan said: "Harley was a bit slow into his stride, but getting to the top four in the country is still a tremendous achievement and we are really proud of what the boy has done."