TYLDESLEY boxer Samson Aluko delivered a knockout punch when he won the national ABA championship and a place in the England squad for their trip to Hungary.
Aluko, aged 16, had previously lost against London based fighter Noel Devlin in December last year - but the pair were told the winner of their re-match in Wales two weeks ago would land one of them a place in the England boxing squad.
And the teenager from the Shakerley estate rose to the challenge when he beat Devlin 16-13 in a thrilling Junior ABA 69kg contest which secured his England boxing berth in the squad which travelled to Hungary this week.
Alukos trainer Henry Herbert, from the Pool of Life Amateur Boxing Club, Atherton, said: "Aluko and Devlin both boxed for England at the Four Nations in Wales and after their bout the England coach came over and told them that their next fight would determine who would get that England place. He got his revenge and boxed really well that day. We are all proud of Samson, he has come a long way in such a short space of time.
"He has a lot character, is big and has a bubbly personality. He is a pleasure to work with."
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