PONTYPOOL ABC’s Kieron James is a British junior champion.

The 15-year-old from Cwmbran represented Wales at the finals of the Great Britain Youth and Junior Championships in Cardiff and came away with 44kg gold.

James, the reigning Welsh champion, added the British title to his already impressive resume by beating England’s Zeeshan Ahmed via a split decision in a thrilling contest.

Yorkshireman Ahmed had comprehensively beaten Scotland’s Harrison Baxter in the semi-finals, winning every round on the judges’ scorecards.

James had to wait until the final before seeing some action after receiving a bye at the last-four stage.

Ahmed started the final well, using his superior height and reach to good effect in the first round.

However, by the second round James had shaken off any ring rust that may have been holding him back in the opener, going through the gears.

Dipping, bobbing and weaving, James made his head an impossible target for the rangy Englishman.

The third round was even better for the Welsh youngster, and he was able to use his superior footwork and fitness to force Ahmed onto the ropes for much of the round.

His skilful ring craft neutralised any height and reach advantage that Ahmed held over his opponent.

James looks to be the real deal, and at 15 is well on course for future glory.

He will now have one eye on making sure he books himself a place at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

James’ two Pontypool stablemates had difficult semi-final draws.

Seventeen-year-old youth boxer Caitlin Cromie represented Wales in the 48kg division and faced the more experienced English fighter Jacey Birch.

Cromie often has difficulty finding youth boxers at her weight, frequently having to travel far and wide for bouts.

Her impending move up to the senior age group will no doubt provide her with a bigger pool of opponents.

Birch was all business from the opening bell and, despite being rocked by a huge right hand from Cromie, was able to force two standing counts and ultimately the referee halted the bout in the second round.

Jaydon Torrance, the classy and hard-hitting 16-year-old took on England’s Mark Benham in the 66kg semi-final.

The contest was fast and furious with little separating the boxers at the end of each round.

After three all-action rounds the judges scored the bout in favour of the Dorset-based Englishman.

The Pontypool club committee wish to publicly praise all three boxers and pass on their thanks and gratitude to head coach Lyndon James.