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Maidstone boxer Sam Noakes wins Tri Nations gold on his England debut

Sam Noakes beat two Scottish fighters in their own backyard to win gold on his England debut.

The Westree boxer travelled to Edinburgh for the Tri Nations where he claimed the 64kg title with unanimous victories against Clay Davidson and Robbie McKechnie.

Noakes, 21, secured an England place after winning the National Amateur Championships, and quickly got to work after drawing Davidson in the semi-finals.

Sam Noakes, right, gets to work in his semi-final win against Clay Davidson (11805662)
Sam Noakes, right, gets to work in his semi-final win against Clay Davidson (11805662)

He put his opponent down with a big right hand in the opening round and continued to pile on the pressure, working the head and body.

Brave Davidson managed to see out the three rounds but Noakes took a 5-0 decision.

Three-time Scottish national champion McKechnie awaited in the final.

Sam Noakes with Westree coach Lee Owen (11805658)
Sam Noakes with Westree coach Lee Owen (11805658)

He was a good boxer but the energy drained from him in the face of Noakes' pressure and he simply didn't know what to do with the Maidstone man as hooks and uppercuts rained in.

Another big right further unsettled McKechnie but the Scottish captain showed a lot of heart to get through to the final bell.

There was no doubt about the result, though, with Noakes clinching gold with another 5-0 decision.

Sam Noakes with mum Sharon and dad John (11805656)
Sam Noakes with mum Sharon and dad John (11805656)

Westree coach Lee Owen said: "We noticed McKechnie faded in his semi-final and he was made for Sam because Sam applies pressure all the time.

"I was a bit surprised the contest wasn't stopped, to be honest, but the Scot was a brave boy.

"He was their flagbearer and the Scotland team captain but Sam was just as proud to wear the England vest for the first time and it was brilliant to get the gold on his debut."

Read more: The latest sports news in Kent

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