World No 3 Jerry Mongan ready to step up

The 14-year-old, from Priory Park Boxing Club in Dudley, came back from Hungary with a bronze medal earlier this month, captaining the England team.

Only the world's best at 54kg, Emin Khataev, could halt his challenge on a split decision in a nail-biting medal fight, as the Russian retained his title on a split decision.

Mongan had rolled over Ireland's Michael McDonagh by a unanimous points call to set up the meeting. Despite defeat, it capped off a great season.

The tall and rangy teenager won his first national title in April's England Schoolboys, but will leave that scene behind in the coming months.

The England Junior and that European counterpart, along with next year's World Championships will be on the agenda as well as England camps, with Mongan fighting at a heavier weight.

Priory Park trainer Warren Davis said: "He's having a rest now, as he's had to maintain his weight for the past four or five months.

"When he's back in the gym, we will get him ready to box as an when needed. Even on the club show circuit, he's there to be shot at now as a champion.

"He will come in a bit heavier, just through his national growth but power will come along with that, which he will need in the juniors.

"Jerry's a level-headed and humble kid who just wants to be the best he can be, there's no danger of him getting carried away."

Mongan gave Khataev some frights in Hungary in the best contest of his fledgling career, rocking the Russian with an onslaught in the second round.

His arm wasn't raised at the final bell but he still rose in the world rankings, leaving him up there with the best on the planet.

Davis said: "The England coach, Mick Gannon, told me Jerry had the hardest fight of anyone over there. To push him close shows what he can do.

"He's not scared of anyone, he doesn't duck opponents and will fight anywhere."