Southpaw Spaven lands top title

Spaven, 15, beat M Kaleem on a split decision at Havercroft to lift the 54-57kg Yorkshire Junior Championship title.

The much taller and more experienced Kaleem, who boxes for Bradford-based Karmand ABC, started the fight well, utilising his superior reach to keep Spaven out of range.

Spaven’s awkward southpaw style and his increased work-rate saw him find a way into the fight in the second round, with a number of stinging body shots finding their range.

The Brid-based Westway man rocked his opponent a number of times in the third and final round, again landing several accurate and punishing body shots.

Spaven was awarded a split decision and with it became number one in Yorkshire at the 54-57kg category.