HOOK & Jab boxer Olivia Hussey is stepping up to compete internationally after being crowned the best in England in her weight class, despite not being in the ring for over a year.

The 17-year-old came through two fights at the England Boxing Youth Championships in Rotherham over the weekend to be crowned the new English Youth Champion in the 69kg division.

Hussey now moves forward to represent England at the Tri Nation Championship, which will also be held in Rotherham in April.

She will also take part in a selection camp in a bid to represent her country in the upcoming European Championships.

In what was her first tournament fight, Hussey took just 48 seconds to defeat semi-final opponent Amy Bullock on Saturday, with her overwhelming speed and power forcing the referee to stop the fight.

That earned her a spot in Sunday’s final against a strong opponent in Millicent Hanson, but Hussey’s skill and technical ability earned her a unanimous points decision.

Hussey becomes Hook and Jab’s third female national champion.

Meanwhile, the club are hosting their next show on Friday, February 24, at Alford Sports and Social Club.

Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for children and OAPS and are available on the door or by calling the club on 01925 637335 or 07906552514. Doors open at 7.30pm.