DES Newton from Bere Alston became Western Counties champion and winner of the pre quarter finals on Saturday in Swindon.

Last weekend Newton was frustrated as he was meant to be fighting against Felix de Giles of Walcott ABC in Bournemouth but on the eve of the fight his opponent pulled out from the fight and Newton was automatically crowned West Counties champion and through to the pre-quarter finals.

Des said: 'I'm happy to have become west counties champion, but would like to have gained it by fighting and winning.'

The following weekend at Swindon the Bere Alston boxer fought Robert Walker of Bexley ABC London and weighed in at 63.2 kg to his opponent's 64kg and it turned out to be Des's hardest fight to date. Newton took the verdict by a split decision to the disappointment of the crowd despite it being a one sided contest.

This win makes Newton the pre quarter finals class A winner and through to the quarter finals in London next weekend.