TWO young Chepstow boxers proved a big hit by taking titles at the Welsh junior championships.

Pat Mullane, 14, and Jude Holmes were both unanimous winners in Swansea, while clubmates Luke Conner and Keiran Woods both went close, narrowly missing out in their final bouts.

First into the ring at Portmead and Bleanymeas community centre was 2016 52kg winner Mullane, who was matched against Anthony Roberts from the northern division in the 57kg class.

Mullane used his strength to his advantage, dominating the bout from the first bell to the last to win comfortably on all five judges’ score cards.

Next up was Luke Conner in the 52kg class who took on the far more experienced Scott Jones of the Southern Division.

The Chepstow fighter started fast and was at first dominating, but his opponent’s experience soon showed through. By the third round Jones was landing the much cleaner shots, and the ref stopped the bout and awarded him the win. 

Jude Holmes was also in against a more experienced boxer in the 54kg class, in the shape of James Harris from Heads of the Valleys Boxing Club of the Eastern division.

But Holmes showed a master class of boxing, using his height and a variety of boxing skills to good advantage.

The Chepstow youngster was picking off his opponent from the start and by the end of the bout it was clear there was only one winner, with all five judges declaring Holmes the champion.

Last into the ring was Keiran Woods who took on the taller Ryan Richards from Pen Aber boxing club near Caerphilly. Woods started fast and was setting a very high tempo, but each fighter was giving as good as he got.

It was a very difficult one for the judges to score and they were split on the decision with Woods unfortunately landing the wrong side of a 3-2 reverse.

Now Mullane and Holmes are just two bouts away from British titles.

Next up for Chepstow will be Patrick Larkin and Aiden Hampsey who are entered in the youth and elite championships in March and April.