East London Boxing Academy had three fighters compete at the quarter-final stages of the England and Wales Girls’ and Boys’ Clubs’ Championships.

In a bitter-sweet day for East London, two of their boxers were defeated in their fights, while one secured their place in the semi-finals.

Zeeshan Ali was one of the unfortunate boxers to come out on the wrong side as he lost to last year’s champion.

As well, flyweight Uzair Maqbool had a rare off-day as the 17-year-old narrowly lost a judges’ decision 3-2 against Blake Binskin from Margate.

Lastly, though, when the club needed a strong performance, juniors’ captain Hasnan Ali stepped up into the heavyweight division to face Chelmsford’s Alfie Martin.

Ali outworked and outclassed his opponent in a largely skilful performance that was fully deserving of the win.

Success for Ali, who has boxed in Las Vegas in the past as part of a London select team, secures his place in the semi-finals that will be held in Bristol this Saturday, where he comes up against Welsh and Western Area champion Blake Chamberlain from Weston Warriors ABC.