Stuart Leonard of Darlington set the tone for the evening when he became Youth Amateur Boxing Class A National Champion at Under-42kg level at Peterlee Leisure Centre last Friday, writes CRAIG STODDART.

For his bout against Michael Graydon - the first of the night - was followed by nine wins for Northern fighters, including two from the region, against opponents from as far a field as Essex, Middlesex and London.

Stuart Kennedy and Tony Jefferies, both of Sunderland ABC, took titles at Under-60kgs and Under-71kg respectively to cap a successful night for the North-East.

Boxing out of Darlington ABC, Leonard beat Graydon of Bristol six to five points using the controversial electronic scoring system.

Kennedy's opposition came from Harwich ABC (Essex) in the shape of Matthew Jacobs whose long-journey home must have seemed even longer when the Sunderland fighter won 15-8.

Despite a performance below his usual high standard, England international Jefferies comfortably overcame the challenge of Trojan ABC's (Middlesex) Martin Stokes in the last bout of the evening 15-3 in an Under-71kg contest.

Attended by Minister for Sport Kate Hoey, the charity night was declared a great success by organiser Gus Robinson.