PHOENIX Fire Boxing Club’s Courtney Swanton has qualified for the National Female Championships for the second year in a row.

She will head to Essex on Sunday for a class two 48kg showdown after defeating Darlington’s Sophie Middleton.

Head coach Damian Ridpath said: “Courtney works really hard and deserves this opportunity for recognition.

“Her success keeps alive the club run of at least one boxer reaching a national final every year since 2003 - a great achievement.”

Phoenix’s senior light welterweight Courtney Chadwick won boxer of the night at the club’s tournament held at Eagle Sports Club.

His points win came against Zelfa Barrett from Collyhurst and Moston ABC.

Bout of the night was Casey Brown, aged 15, against Collyhurst and Moston’s Connor Ward, who received a majority decision after a close contest.

Fourteen-year-olds Sam Watson and John Taylor came out on top against Keiron McIntrye from St Johns Manchester and Kerian Hunter-Love from Blackburn and Darwen respectively.

Senior middleweight Ben Murphy gained a close call against Rhyl’s Corey Davies, while debutant Imad Hussien, aged 15, narrowly lost to Macclesfield’s Josh Fargaly.

George Farrelly, aged 15, lost a points decision against Moin Khan from Blackburn and Darwen ABC.