Classy Kieran sets up English title chance

Macdonald outgunned Shepshed’s Ben Norman in their 49kg battle, with England internatonal Macdonald showing why he has been called into the Great Britain squad by unleashing some heavy blows to head and body, unsettling his game opponent throughout to take the decision by aunanimous decision.

He will now take on Nathan Brown (Hooks) for the title, looking to reverse his recent defeat.

Sunderland’s Travis Waters showed that he has what it takes in the tough elite senior ranks by taking on and beating experienced Redcar fighter Tom Hill (69kg) in his eliminator.

Slick southpaw Waters used his right jab to break up the Teessider’s defencen, however Hill was always willing in a crowd-pleaser non-stop bout, with the home fighter securing a unanimous points decision.

He now takes on Birtley’s Joe Laws for the English title.

Matty Stewart lost out on a razor-edge split decision to Lambton Street’s Jordan Rought.

Both men gave their all, with the taller Rought firing in heavy shots to head and body, however Stewart showed he can mix it with anyone, rallying with his own bombs, landing a left hook on his opponent’s chin which clearly had him hurt.

However, Rought recovered well and took the win in the night’s most exciting contest.

Michael Watson, back from a long lay-off, secured a unanimous verdict against Northumbria University’s Timo Glesmann.

Watson, who went on an adventure to the capital seeking an acting career, returned to his roots and scored with the cleaner shots throughout.

Wallace McLeod impressed in his unanimous victory over rugged Teessider Alfie McKitrick, boosting hopes for the schoolboy championships.

Other results: Colin Fulton (Sunderland) lost to Liam Hills (Army) split decision; John Purdy (Sunderland) lost to Kallum Corssen (Shepshed) split decision; Leroy Nelson (Sunderland) bt Jay Conway (Spennymoor) split decision; Callum Stockdale (Sunderland) lost to Leon Armes (Middlebeck) unanimous decision; Jack King (Sunderland) lost to Callum Drinkald (Sunderland East End) unanimous decision; Andrew Lawson (Sunderland) lost to James Farrell (High Fell) split decision

Sunderland ABC are taking a senior team to Murcia in Spain for a competition from Wednesday until Sunday.

The squad includes Matty Stewart (75kg), Steve Pattison (81kg), Colin Fulton (64kg), Luke Radcliffe (69kg) and Travis Waters (69kg).