THERE have been champion efforts from North East Wales boxers in a national competition, writes SHAUN DAVIES.

The past few weeks have seen boxers from across the country converging on Cardiff to compete in the Welsh national championships.

Last weekend witnessed the various finals and Maelor Boxing Club’s Cory Jones boxed for the first time in the senior elite championships.

The Welsh international triumphed on points in the 54kg category against Jack Collier, of Premier ABC, to take the title on all three judges cards.

It was some achievement for Jones as it was his fifth Welsh vest.

Over the past few years, he has won minor, schoolboy, junior, youth and now elite championship titles.

Jones has represented Wales 18 times and the next stop for him is to again represent Wales next week in North Macedonia in an international tournament, where he will be boxing against the best in Europe.

Maelor Boxing Club’s Butch Jones said: “We at the Maelor Boxing Club, Cefn Mawr and the village of Rhos wish him all the best. Thanks to SOS Rhosymedre for sponsorship.”

Another national championship winner is Wrexham Boxing Club’s Rhys Jones, who won his title by a split decision against a much more experienced competitor from Cardiff.

Meanwhile, clubmate Jack Williams just lost by a split decision.

Maelor’s Gwion Ellis competed in the 71kg category and he lost in the preliminary round to last year’s British champion and three-time Welsh champion Ben Edwards on points.

It was Gwion first time in the championship and he boxed really well against Edwards as the gap in experience was a big one.

As mental and physical support, boxing has an immense power for good in local communities across Wales.

This has been evidenced by the Northern Division’s Queen’s Park ABC where, over the past year, boxing has been a tool for inclusion, mental wellbeing and physical health for Yazan Al Dalati..

Having arrived in the UK from Syria six years ago, Yaz has been training at the club for the past 12 months and told Welsh Boxing how enjoyable it has been.

“It was a very good welcome when I first arrived,” Yaz said. “Everyone was nice and supportive, and helped me when I did something wrong or did not understand.

“It has meant a lot to me to be able to train and box at Queen’s Park.

“It has been a pleasure to be trained in this gym by amazing coaches and to work alongside great boxers!”

Also speaking to Welsh Boxing, Queen’s Park coach Gareth Harper explained why the club’s philosophy made it an easy decision to welcome Yaz.

“It was important for Queen’s Park ABC to welcome Yaz into our boxing community in general, as we encourage everyone to work as a team and look out for each other,” he said.

“We have noticed that Yaz has become quite close with some members of the group. They’ve made his arrival at the club plain sailing for him, which has been nice to witness.

“It has been nice to see Yaz develop relationships with other members, as well as watching his boxing skills develop, which I personally love to watch.”