Boxer gets England call after duo reach national finals

Kyla Verlander and Katie Bonnet represented the Hastings-based club at a packed out venue in the Lincolnshire town of Grantham, where in total 76 bouts took place on a busy day.

Both girls had it tough against vastly more experienced opponents, but gave it a really good go before being narrowly beaten on points decisions.

Although both bouts were tight and skilful contests, ultimately the experience of the two girls the West Hill fighters were up against gave them the edge.

West Hill coach John Verlander said: “All in all it was a good day, with both girls doing themselves and the town proud at national level.

“The experience our girls will take from this will stand them in good stead to go one step further next year and bring those national titles home with them.”

Kyla has subsequently been selected to box for England in the upcoming Three Nations Championships, which will be held at the Doncaster Dome on July 1 and 2.

She had a preparation training day last weekend at Sheffield’s Centre of Excellence, the venue where the British Olympic boxing team trains.

John Verlander added: “We’re chuffed to bits for her, it’ll be an amazing experience so early on in her boxing career.”

West Hill Boxing Club, which is based in Whitefriars Road, has pushed its end-of-season presentation night back a fortnight from Saturday July 9 to Saturday July 23. The event will take place at The Silverhill Club.

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