'Little and large' in title reckoning for Wood

Pocket rocket Hamza Uddin, aged just 11, steps through the ropes for his England Schools national final on Saturday afternoon,

The Joseph Leckie Academy student has been likened to a "mini Naseem Hamed" by his trainer Shaun Healy, who calls him 'the gifted one.'

Uddin wears the same leopard-print fight gear that was the signature of the 'Prince' and he's made opponents looks foolish in his seven competitive bouts.

Described as "a right-handed southpaw" by coach Healy, he invites pressure and dodges shots at will before attacking with counter punches.

But someone's 'o' has to go when he takes on the undefeated Blue Bowers, from Wickham in Hampshire, at 29.5kg in the 'minors' section, for boxers born in 2003.

He's already seen off Wednesbury's Gurbir Mann in the opening round and semi-final rival Wallace McLeod, from Sunderland, unanimously on points in the competition.

He now takes his place in the decider at the Arc Leisure Centre, in the Derbyshire town of Clowne, with his corner expecting big things from him.

Healy said: "This kid is the most talented I have ever seen for that age. His technical ability is something else and he's confident to go with it.

"He's been with us for about a year-and-a-half and I remember the first time I took him into the ring, him dancing around with that gear on.

"I told him he had better perform if he's going to wear clothes like that, but he's got enough to back it up. We are all really excited about him.

"He's a nightmare to pin down, he goads his opponents into throwing punches with his hands down and makes them miss, opening them up.

"He's got power, himself, and is as comfortable on the back-foot as they come. His reactions are razor sharp and he's already won by stoppage.

"He's ferocious, even in his 'skills' (exhibition) bouts the referee had to tell him to wind it down. He doesn't throw many jabs, it's all big bombs.

"His Dad, Siraj, backs him with his training and is taking him around the country for sparring, so he can pick up as much experience as he can.

"He's a respectful and polite boy, but all that changes when he goes out there. I can't see anybody who is going to live with him, as he develops."

Ibrahim Khan brought a seventh national title to Wood last December, going all of the way in the England Development Junior Championships.

With that accolade he joined Matthew Parsons, hat-trick hero Daniel Breeze, Joseph Stevenson and Lauren Johnson in the club's Hall of Fame.

Uddin is now bidding to become the youngest, but Wood now also boast the reigning Army Elite heavyweight champion in big Mason Holmes.

The 21-year-old joined the forces to work in the catering core and has served up boxing lessons to six of his fellow squaddies inside the ropes.

That's landed him Army honours and tidied up a patchy amateur ledger with Wood, where he's still carded and can box for on the weekends.

Healy has been delighted with dedication shown since joining the troops, particularly as he goes out with his daughter Sophie!

He said: "Mason, to be honest, had a terrible record before going into the Army. He'd won six and lost 15, mainly because he was just never fit.

"It's different in there, you effectively train full-time in the forces and they teach you discipline, which has helped so many become great fighters.

"We still let lads train here for free who are in the army, police or fire service. These are the people who keep our country going each and every day.

"Mason has always been a good boxer, he's wiry and quick when he counters, but he's really developed his skills now."