ALL the hard work paid off for Bury ABC duo Saif Qureshi and Adil Iqbal after they claimed national junior titles at the England Development Boxing Championships.

Qureshi, aged 16, beat Nassim Hussein, of Hoddesdon ABC, on points by a unanimous decision in the 66k Class B division, for boxers born in 2000 who have had less than 10 fights.

Iqbal only needed one round to clinch victory in the 57k Class A division, beating Jessie Goddey, of New Astley ABC, by a technical knockout after the referee was forced to give his opponent three standing counts.

"There is no secret to these results, both these lads work hard, train hard, listen to my advice and take it all on board," said Jelley.

"They both did brilliantly on the day and I'm really pleased for them.

"Obviously, we hope they go on to bigger and better things, but the most important thing for me is that they enjoy the sport.

"It is not all about winning medals, it is about enjoying the process, enjoying taking part, visiting new places and meeting new people.

"That's what these two lads have done, and it has helped them become English champions."

Both fighters had to battle their way through regional rounds to win the North West title then won three more national bouts to make it to last weekend's finals in Grantham.

"Getting there is one thing, but all the young boxers there had worked hard for their chance, so they did brilliantly to claim their titles," Jelley added.

"Saif's bout was even after the first round, but then he started to get the better of his opponent and forced the referee to give him two standing counts in the second round. All he had to do was finish the final round unscathed to get the win.

"Adil looked set for a really tough fight as his opponent was a really strong lad who came out in the first round like a raging bull.

"But our lad just caught him once with a good punch and the referee eventually had to stop the contest after stepping in three times to give him a standing count."