A VALE of Clwyd boxer will be targeting national glory this weekend.

Cai Murphy has secured a place in the WABA Welsh Novice Boxing Championships finals after winning his fight in the 69kg semi-finals last weekend.

Murphy, 17, boxes for Denbigh and District Boxing Club.

Out of the red corner, he travelled to Llantrisant in South Wales over the weekend to compete in the semi-finals of the championships.

His opponent was South Walian Ali Paywand, who proved a real challenge as he used his strength and fitness to complement his awkward southpaw style, putting pressure on Murphy from the opening bell.

However, Murphy boxed in clever fashion and he slipped the majority of punches, which allowed him to counter the attacks effectively and push his opponent back with accurate punches.

This culminated in a standing eight count for Paywand in the last round and earned Murphy a well-deserved unanimous win.

The Welsh national finals will be held in Swansea this coming Saturday, October 19, where Murphy will compete to become the best in his weight category in the country.

He said: “It has been a great experience and adventure travelling to South Wales to compete away from my home ground.

"Beating a local boxer in the semi-finals feels amazing - I can’t wait for the finals now!”

Murphy’s three trainers added that he is “a real boxing talent” and that “each of his last three fights has seen his opponent take at least one standing eight count”.

Denbigh and District Boxing Club trains every Monday and Wednesday at Myddelton College (6.45pm).

For further information, contact Pete Mackie on 07763 389153, Craig Mackie on 07525 202439 or Nathan Hanika on 07776 202855.