HOOK and Jab’s heavyweight prospect Michael McKay reserved a quarter-finals place in England Boxing’s Elite Championships after winning a qualifying bout on Saturday.

He won a unanimous points decision against reigning Yorkshire champion Peter Stubbs, from Harrogate, following a tough fight to the final bell.

McKay stuck to his fight-plan, catching his opponent with his textbook left jab and eye-catching back-hand punches to progress from the draw’s northern section.

His reward is to box next at Liverpool’s Echo Arena, where he makes a second appearance at the national finals in as many years.

Seven others remain in contention to reach the pinnacle of amateur boxing in the 91kg weight category.

They are: Ricardo Slue (Fitzroy Lodge); Gary Daley (Southend); Chezerae Nihell (Army); Adam Simpson (Larches and Savick); Ryan Hatton (Tamworth); Simon Pendleton (North Road Gym) and Conroy Downer (Bedford).