SANDYGATE Boxing Club’s James Kimberley has reached the Royal Navy ABA National Schoolboy finals.

The Burnley club’s hottest prospect beat Nathan Clarkson at the Boxing School of Excellence in Gorton, Manchester on Sunday in a one-sided semi final contest.

The 12-year-old, who stands 6ft tall and weighs in at 60kg, proved to be just too good for the Selby fighter over the three rounds.

The St Augustine’s pupil used his superior height, not to mention his better ring skill to dominate Clarkson – the gallant Yorkshire Merseyside and Cheshire area champion.

And in the Olympic style computer scoring system, Kimberley last year’s Minor’s ABA finalist – ended up winning 19-6.

“James is the biggest 12-year-old I have ever come across,” said coach Nik Tucker. “At just over 6ft even I have to look-up to him.

“He uses his long reach to its fullest with most opponents not getting near him.”

The Great Harwood fighter now face’s the southern region champion Chris Woodroffe of Chalvedon ABC at The Lindhurst Rooms, Mansfield at the weekend.

Stable-mate Jerome Lawton narrowly missed out after the 15-year-old lost to England International C Robinson of PTSB ABC in what was the highest scoring bout of the day, losing 38-22.

“I couldn't ask more from Jerome but he will be back looking to make it four North West titles running next season,” added Tucker.