BLAENAVON boxer Josh Keen was recently crowned the 2013 youth 60kg novice Welsh champion.

The 16-year-old travelled to Swansea with Tredegar ABC to complete against Thomas Pike from Maerdy, Rhondda, for the championship contest.

Round one saw Keen come out after the bell to a difficult start, getting caught early in the round and receiving a standing eight count after hitting the canvas for first and only time.

But he recovered and in round two he started with more authority to outbox Pike and give his opponent a standing eight to win the round.

Round three sealed the win for Keen with fast punching and counter-punching from the off. He led the round from start to finish, beating Pike with a unanimous decision on all the judges' cards.

“Josh boxed incredibly well for his first contest for Tredegar ABC and I have no doubt he will excel in boxing for years to come and will win more red vests," said coach and Blaenavon Neon Centre manager Steven Aherne. “I would like to thank Pontypool Boxing Club for supporting Josh’s training and Josh’s dad Dwain."

Keen will be boxing on Friday, November 8, with his older brother Corey in Tredegar. Tickets are available from Aherne at the Neon Centre or on 07976400239.