A TEENAGE boxer faced a tough Challenge head-on and was crowned county champion.

Louis Brow, 19, of Ilkley representing Eastburn ABC, took on Yorkshire Challenge belt holder Joe Stilgoe, representing Henry Wharton's Gym of York for the Yorkshire welterweight title.

The top of the bill senior bout took place at a packed boxing event in Leeds, featuring 15 bouts of top quality match-ups with three Yorkshire titles on the line.

Former Ilkley Grammar School student Brow started strongly in the first of three three-minute rounds against a tough, experienced and resolute opponent, displaying a strong jab with sporadic flurries of aggressive counter punching.

The second round proved a cagier affair with both boxers attempting to pick the other off with targeted jabs, utilizing their defensive skills and footwork.

The final round was a real war of attrition as both fighters started to feel the effects of their earlier exertions, much to the appreciation of the vocal, supporting crowd.

Both boxers were met with a standing ovation as the bell signalled the end of an arduous, yet enthralling contest.

The fighters stood in the centre of the ring, hands held down by the referee, while the judges tallied up their scorecards, awaiting the result.

The respectful appreciation for both Brow and Stilgoe was broken only by the loud cheers that heralded the announcement by the MC, who confirmed Brow as the new champion.

This was the latest success for Brow as his previous achievements in the ring have included beating Sheffield opponent Ethan Mockford in an action-packed night of boxing at Bradford City's Valley Parade base last year.

Brow has also enjoyed success in another sport. In 2015 he was selected for the ERDPP (England Rugby Development Player Programme) for the Central Yorkshire Region.

The ERDPP allows talented players a pathway to professional rugby by consolidating county and academy activities within the Yorkshire region. The collaboration between Yorkshire Rugby and Yorkshire Carnegie was unique within the game and retained the county identity while being supported and facilitated by the professional club.

But after his title-winning fight, Brow says he would like to thank all of the local support he has received, his coaches and sponsors, particularly The Purchasing Agency and, as he embarks on the next stage of his career, invites any local businesses who would like to sponsor him.

Email him at browsermk1@gmail.com for more information.