UPPERCUT-COMING York boxer Lennox Tyers is less than ten minutes away from a crack at national glory.

The York Boxing Club prospect negotiated a tough quarter-final in the schoolboys’ Amateur Boxing Association championships in Chesterfield to earn a place in the all-England semi-finals against the current London champion. That bout will be held in Birmingham this coming Sunday.

To advance to the last four, the gutsy 13-year-old Yorkshire title-holder at 50-kilogrammes powered to an emphatic points verdict over Midlands champion Jimmy Smith.

Smith, a tricky and awkward opponent, posed a stern test to prompt one of the night’s most exciting contests. But once Tyers found his range with his southpaw jab, he took command of the bout to get the nod from all the judges.

Billy Wilson, head coach at York BC, which is based at Walmgate, has high hopes for Tyers.

Said Wilson: “Lennox is not the tallest of lads but he is so strong and by the third round he was all over Smith, never ever giving him an inch.

“They are all tough fights now when you get to this stage, but Lennox has got a good solid chance.”