Shropshire boxing sensation, Liam Davies, saw his hopes of becoming the county’s first European schoolboy champion dashed by the narrowest of margins.

The 14-year-old’s semi-final against awkward southpaw Araz Gulmammadov was decided by one punch, thrown in the final seconds of the scrappy contest.

Having found the target, the Azerbaijan boxer spoiled his way to the bell for a 1-0 victory.

Despite the defeat, Donnington’s Davies yesterday walked away from the tournament, held in Yambol, Bulgaria, with head held high – and a bronze medal.

He said: “I was trying to box, but he kept spoiling. I can’t even remember him landing the punch, to be honest.

“No excuses, but I went into the fight with an injured thumb and I felt it.”

It proved a frustrating contest for little Liam, untidy from the start and riddled with clinches. Gulmammadov had big advantages in height and reach – and used those advantages well.

Liam was forced to take the bout to his opponent and became increasingly reckless as he searched for the punches that would put him in the final.

Sporting

One split-second lapse of concentration was enough to present Gulmammadov with an opening — and he took it.

Liam’s grandfather, Brian Davies, who runs the multi-titled Donnington gym, was equally sporting in defeat.

He said: “Liam wasn’t robbed. He came here and it’s been tremendous experience.

“As a contest, the semi was a cat-and-mouse affair. Liam was trying to get to him and, at the end, it got a bit messy.”

The competition has seen Liam successfully step-up to another level, with victories over Dmitriy Abanov (Belarus) and Sebastian Saciri (Serbia).

Mark Wall, headteacher at his school, Sutherland College, yesterday spoke of his pride. He said: “It shows how hard work and endeavour can really make a difference in anyone’s life. The message Liam brings to this school when he represents his country is what can be achieved through dedication.”

By MIKE LOCKLEY