East London Boxing Academy enjoyed success at the Junior Development Championships with Mohammed Hassan Chowdry becoming London champion and Habib Akram losing in the national semi-finals.

Both fighters progressed through the regional rounds before going toe-to-toe with Raymond Corcoran, who was boxing for Dale Youth the former club of 2008 Olympic gold medallist James DeGale, in the national semis.

Although Akram started strongly and won the first round, the following two rounds were very closely fought and he missed out on a split decision.

Chowdry faced the more experienced Callum Angel Taylor from Islington Boxing Club and after matching his opponent all the way, he stepped it up again in the last round to clinch a place in the London final.

He was scheduled to face Armando Goral from White Hart Lane Boxing Club in the London finals in Lambeth on Sunday. But Goral was forced to pull out due to a chest infection.

That means Chowdry is through to the national semi-finals where he will face Eastern Counties champion Louie O’Doherty on October 19 in Wisbech.

Coach Umer Ali Iqbal said: “Hassan has been training very hard and promised me at the start of the pre-season that he was going to be a champion this year and true to his word, the boy is now the London champion.”

“Habib and Hassan’s performances and championship glory are testimony to the hard work the boys and the coaches, all of whom are volunteers, have put in.”