Hartlepool light flyweight Michael Hadfield was down but not disheartened following his defeat in the 2005 World Cadet Championships final.

The Headland ABC boxer put in a spirited performance before losing 26-17 to Kazakhstan's Sattibayev Olzhas over three rounds of the under 46kg category at St George's Hall in Liverpool last night.

The 16-year-old came through three tough bouts to reach the final. He dispatched Belarus boxer Siaheri Kavaliou 25-10 in the second round of his opening fight; American number one Robert Rodriguez 27-18 in the quarter-final before a gritty 16-13 semi-final victory over Romanian fighter Leonard Rotaroaia.

"The final was pretty close and I'm a little disappointed but at the same time I'm proud that I've won a silver medal in the world championships," said Hadfield, who was looking to add to his English and Four Nations titles won earlier this year.

He added: "I'm not too sure about the future, other than I want to fight in the Olympics. Whether I stay as an amateur or turn professional, I'll just have to see where it takes me."

Hadfield was not the only Englishman representing his country at the World Cadet Championships last night.

Birmingham's bantamweight Khalil Saeed and light-middleweight captain Anthony Ogogo, of Lowestoft, both joined the Hartlepool boxer in their respective category finals. In doing so they ensured it was England's most successful World Championships at any amateur level.

Jubilant England manager Kevin Smith, who coaches at Liverpool's Golden Gloves, said: "I'm so proud of these lads. They gave a fantastic display of boxing last night and stuck brilliantly to their game plans."

England ABA Chief Executive Paul King, said: "The boxing this week has been of the highest standard and we've been privileged to see such talent. Tonight was very emotional for me. I couldn't have written a better script to have three English lads in the finals.

"That really excites me and shows amateur boxing in England has a great future. We have the talent and coaches to make a big impression at London's 2012 Olympics."