BOXING: VAUXHALL Motors ABC's Nick MacDonald has defeated one of America's leading amateur bantamweights.

The 19-year-old fighter, who lives in Saughall Massie, was boxing in the England v USA international fixture at Everton Park last Thursday when he produced a convincing points win over opponent Kevin Hudgins.

The 31-year-old American was expected to be a strong opponent after stopping seven of his last eight opponents, but halfway through the contest he began to tire.

Vauxhall coach Peter Phelan said: 'To be honest, it wasn't one of Nick's best performances because he started the contest slowly.

'By the end of the second round, the American was ahead on points, but he soon began to tire.

'Nick landed some heavy shots in the third, and by the forth round his opponent was just trying to survive. Nick ended up winning the contest 16-11.'

The victory was made all the sweeter because the cocky Hudgins left the ring still proclaiming loudly: 'I'm the champ'.

And the fixture ended in a resounding triumph for the hosts, who trounced the visitors 9-0.

However, a slight concern was Nick's opening two rounds and a somewhat sluggish display.

Peter said: 'I think he was relying too much on landing heavy shots, but we all know the talent is there and it is something we are working on.'

There is no doubt, though, that Nick's victory was impressive, particularly after overcoming a recurring back injury which has plagued him recently.

But what is in doubt is whether the England number one will be making an appearance in next summer's Olympic Games in Athens, assuming he progresses through the qualifiers prior to the Games.

Peter said: 'I think it could well be a bit too soon for him. He needs more international experience.'

However, Peter has not ruled out the possibility for a youngster who has already had a huge number of contests - 84 to be precise, winning 72 and which includes an incredible eight national titles.

He added: 'If he gets the correct funding to keep him in the amateur ranks and more international experience in major tournaments, then it's a possibility.' Vauxhall Motors ABC is organising the National Counties' class B finals at the Adelphi in Liverpool on Wednesday, December 17.

It is the first time the finals have been held on Merseyside.

Tickets are priced £20.