Teens triumph in regional boxing competition

Ismail Khan triumphed in the 52kg category and Awais Liaquat was victorious in the 64kg bout of the Yorkshire Amateur Boxing Association Youth Finals in Wakefield.

The Cleckheaton Boxing Academy fighters, both 17, have been competing since they were 11 – and training six days a week in the run-up to the finals.

Academy coach and Ismail’s dad Rash, 44, said: “They are talented boys. They have been training for 10 years.

“At the Cleckheaton gym we make sure we get them ready and work them really hard, but they have to put a lot of effort in.

“It really, really excites us. It takes a lot of time and dedication, but it takes special kids to get to title level.

“They are definitely ones to look out for in the future.”

Rash said the work of head coach Keith Tate, strength and conditioning coach Mohammed Amin Patel and coach Alan Haque had all been very important to Ismail and Awais’ success.

Awais, of Thornhill Lees, beat Isaac Miller and Beeston boy Ismail got the better of previous national champion Mark Johnson in their respective final bouts.

Pictured are Rash Khan and Mohammed Amin Patel and Awais and Ismail.

Left is head coach at the South Parade academy, Keith Tate.