Oxford Boxing Academy’s Declan Townsend claimed a unanimous points verdict over Gold Star ABC’s John Kirby in a lightweight bout at Bedford.

Both boxers tested each other’s resistance from the bell, launching solid shots all over the target.

But Townsend, 15, always had the edge on precision and his guard proved more resolute than his opponent.

After two tense sessions, it was the Leafield youngster who had more in the tank for the final round.

He dominated the closing stages to claim the decision.

At the same tournament, clubmate Adam Howard emerged on the wrong side of the verdict following his light middleweight clash with Bedford’s Daniel Thorogood.

This was, initially, a nip and tuck affair with little to separate the pair during the first half of the contest.

But Howard injured his right hand towards the end of the second round allowing Thorogood to take advantage of the situation and clinch the verdict.