A YOUNG boxer from Meliden has celebrated reaching the last eight of the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships in Romania.

Alfie Lewis, a 16-year-old student at Prestatyn High School, was competing in the tournament, held in Ploiesti, for the first time.

He beat boxers from Spain and Turkey in his first two bouts, before suffering defeat to his English counterpart in the quarter-finals.

Supported by two coaches from Welsh Boxing, as well as his parents, Alfie’s dad, Dan, said how proud he was of his son despite him suffering a rare defeat.

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Dan said: “It was great seeing him on a big, big stage. He conducted himself well, remained humble, and kept a positive mindset.

“He really shone, and I’m proud of how he did. To get to where he is, at this level, is amazing, really. He coped well with the heat, as well; it was about 36 degrees most days.

“The English lad said it was his hardest bout; it was just unfortunate that they met at that stage, because I thought they were the two best boxers at the tournament.

“That would have made for a great final; it was just a shame that one obviously had to go out earlier.”

Alfie took up boxing aged eight, represents Llandudno ABC, and trains with his dad, at his gym, Warrior Fitness North Wales.

In June, Alfie was runner-up in his 60kg weight class after two bouts at the British championships in Motherwell.

This followed the gold medal he won at the Boxam International Tournament 2023, held in La Nucia, Spain, in May.

“He’s having a nice break now – he’s had 15 bouts this season, which is a lot for someone his age.

“He’s enjoying his rest until camp starts back in Welsh Boxing in the second week of September, when it all starts again for the new season.”

After winning gold at the Welsh Box Cup in October 2021, where he was also crowned best schoolboy, Alfie was also champion of the Manchester Box Club in July 2022, before beating Ireland’s number one in December.