St Mary's and Rumble Boxing Academy are celebrating after national success for their fighters last weekend.

Alfie Little of St Mary's ABC successfully defended his crown in the Royal Navy ABAE Schools Championships at a packed Brentwood Leisure Centre when he defeated Ben Dean from Maltwood 17-4 in the class 3 (1995) 66kg category - his third successive schoolboy final.

Trainer Dave Bowler said: "His opponent put up a good performance and it was quite a surprise. He’s done superbly to make three finals and to win the last two. We’re over the moon for him."

John McCann of Sittingbourne's Rumble Boxing Academy was another winner. The 12-year-old from Upchurch fought in the Class 1 (1997) 30kg category and emerged with a 7-2 points victory over Darlington ABC’s previously-unbeaten Mark Johnson.

The ABAE finals pair the best school-aged boxers in the country together and McCann’s achievement completed a first for the Academy.

Trainer Charlie Rumble said: "John worked hard and to beat a boy who was unbeaten was a great result."

Welfare officer Paul Clark said: "It’s the first schoolboy title for the club and it means a lot. He’s now No.1 in England in his age and weight and it really does put the club on the map."