Alfie wins a national title for Bulkington!

Schoolboy sensation…Alfie Birks boxed superbly in Newcastle to take title

THE Warwickshire village of Bulkington is celebrating the crowning of a national boxing champ.

And for Bulkington Boxing Club, Alfie Birks is yet another name to be added to the long list of titleholders. Over the last two years, the gym has produced over 10 Midlands champs.

On Sunday in Newcastle, 14-year-old Alfie went one better. He took the national schoolboy Class B title at 46 kilos.

And the lad looked sensational in capturing the big one. In Saturday’s semi-final, Alfie stopped a Chesterfield opponent in the third.

In the following day’s final, the teenager faced national champ John O’Hanlon, a Newhall boxer who had never tasted defeat in a 20 bout career.

Alfie, taking part in his fifth fight of the competition, romped to a unanimous decision victory, with O’Hanlon being docked two points for holding.

That performance added further silverware to a trophy laden season. Alfie has won Devon’s Barum Box Cup, the Home Counties Box Cup, where he also received the best boxer award, and Warehouse Box Cup in Wales.

It’s very early days, but at this stage Alfie looks something special.

Since walking through the Bulkington club’s doors aged nine, Alfie has packed in a lot of bouts: In total, he’s had 61, with 52 victories.

But then, Alfie was born to box – and box for Bulkington. His family have strong fighting links with the club.

Dad Dave wore Bulkington’s colours in the ring and is now a coach at the gym, with Alfie one of the students under his wing.

Uncle Freddie Williams was a national titleholder for the respected outfit.

Now it’s Alfie’s time to shine.

Franke Waugh, a fellow Bulkington trainer, said: “Alfie’s main attribute is he listens. He is a very disciplined lad, he is very well rounded because he listens to what his coaches tell him.”

That thirst for knowledge has seen Alfie take a step closer to being crowned English champ each time he’s entered the schoolboy championships. Two years ago he made the semis, last year he reached the final and now he’s struck gold.

“He has been very consistent, and it has paid off for him,” Franke said.

“It’s very early days,” Franke added, “but if he sticks it out and stays disciplined, Alfie could do very well in this game.”

Alfie will now represent his country in the schools Tri-Nations championships later this month.