COACH Amanda Groarke says two boxers who became European champions this week are an inspiration.

England internationals Olivia Hussey and Elise Glynn, fighters at Wilderspool-based Hook & Jab Boxing Club, struck gold in Bulgaria at the weekend and will advance to the world championships in India later this year.

Both are undefeated in their time at the club.

“Both ladies are national, Tri nations (GB) England v Ireland, England v Australia and now European champions,” said head coach Groarke.

“Everyone at Hook & Jab is so proud of these two inspirational ladies who are part of an active competitive boxing team of 30.

“These ladies have inspired keep-fit members to join the competitive boxers.

“Both give 100 per cent into every training session, sparring ex-Olympians and senior European medallists. It’s been a tough journey although worth it all for these impressive results.

“These girls are an inspiration. They deserve this and so much more. They have a very bright future ahead.”

Hussey, 17, has now boxed 10 contests for the club, eight of which have been representing England and all since she had considered giving up the sport.

As the only remaining England youth boxer left in the competition she went on to defeat Poland’s Natalia Barbusinska in the 69kg final.

Glynn, 13 contests into her Hook & Jab career with 11 of them for her country, ended the hopes of Hungarian Begins Kiss in the 52kg decider.

Hussey disposed of a tough Irish champion first, exchanging a multitude of superb combinations while displaying class and sheer heart to gain the win.

A tall south paw Russian champion awaited her in the semi finals and she forced her opponent into a count of eight in the third round and becoming the event’s first England boxer through to the final.

Barbusinska was also a tall foe in the final and, stood face to face, looked a weight above!

Hussey started strong and was more accurate as she found her range in a contest full of gripping moments, with both boxers fighting their hearts out.

A devastating back hand from Hussey resulted in a count of eight and all of her hard work finally paid off to earn England only their second youth gold medal in the event’s history.

Like Hussey, Glynn was on the tough side of the draw in her weight division and faced the challenge of four fights in five days.

She achieved a unanimous points win as she picked off a strong Ukraine champion with devastating shots for a place in the quarter finals.

A tough and experienced Russian was totally dominated by Glynn in the last eight, catching her smaller opponent every time with accurate long-range shots.

It was more of the same in the semi finals against an Italian champion who tried hold Glynn throughout but the England ace’s work on the inside broke her opponent down.

Kiss entered the ring for the 52kg final full of enthusiasm and confidence but Glynn was not fazed by the Hungarian.

The Hungarian punched and then held on – trying to smother Glynn but the robust fighter coped well and caught her opponent with eye-catching combinations.

As the bout wore on Glynn settled and her class in connecting with powerful long-range combinations rocked the Hungarian’s head backwards, resulting in another deserved unanimous win.

“In total England won five golds. With two of them being from Hook & Jab boxers it is a huge achievement for the club and a reward for all their time and hard work,” said Groarke.

Anyone wishing to sponsor Hussey or Glynn can contact Amanda or Derek Groarke at Hook & Jab on the Palatine Industria Estate, Causeway Avenue, or call 637335.

The gym runs classes every day and evening for all ages and abilities. Anyone wishing to box or just take part in the fitness classes is welcome to attend.