TAVISTOCK boxing starlet Chantel Whiting continued her rise in the amateur ranks by winning a silver medal for England in the GB Schools’ National Championships in Doncaster last Saturday.

Chantel, aged 14, and representing Mayflower ABC and, for the first time, England, boxed superbly in the deciding bout against her compatriot Sameenah Toussaint, losing to a unanimous decision to secure a silver medal.

The first round started understandably cagey, with both boxers trying to find their range with flicking jabs. Chantel then intelligently slowed the tempo, inviting Toussaint to come forward and exchange. Chantel showed her quality by unleashing several sharp counter punches.

The second session was a far closer affair, despite Chantel adopting the same counter punching style she employed in the previous round.

Toussaint closed the range to throw some classy looking combinations. Despite this, the Tavistock fighter remained composed and never looked overawed by Toussaint’s athletic slick style.

The third and final round of this high quality technical contest was the most action packed.

Chantel again showing her ever improving footwork, came straight out on the front foot, taking the fight to her opponent.

She threw some quality combinations landing flush on Toussaint several times throughout the round, whilst maintaining a high work rate. Toussaint was unable to adapt to Whiting’s all action style.

The final bell was met with great appreciation and respect from the excited crowd at the Doncaster Dome and deservedly so.

While England’s Toussaint was awarded the decision and gold medal, Tavistock can be very proud of Chantel Whiting’s performance and magnificent achievement.

Chantel now looks forward to locking horns internationally — thanks to her sponsor Redrow Homes she will boxing at the Esker All Female Box Cup to be held in Dublin, Ireland, in October.