LORDSHILL'S Tony Hill punched his way to the British junior ABA middleweight championship to complete a memorable weekend double for Golden Ring head coach Stuart Gill.

Gill was forced to make a hospital dash from Southampton to Bridlington in Yorkshire to watch the big fight on Saturday, just hours after partner Jayne had given birth to a baby son.

"I'm absolutely delighted, it's been a dream weekend. I left the hospital at 3am on Saturday morning and had to set off at 6am to be in the corner for Tony," said the new proud father.

Seventeen-year-old Hill had been determined to settle a score with Simon O'Donnell in the final and eventually fought his way to a comprehensive points victory.

Hill, left, had desperately wanted to knock out his London opponent to avenge losses against him several years ago.

He connected with some big punches and forced several standing counts but ultimately had to rely on getting the nod from the judges.

The junior ABA crown is the most prestigious amateur title in his age group and goes alongside the Olympic junior title he won in the United States last year - as well as three national schoolboy titles.

Hill, an apprentice bricklayer, said: "The scoring was quite close, but I felt there should have been a bigger margin.

"I could have boxed better, I was looking to knock him out too much because I have wanted to box him for so long.

"I just wanted to blow him away. But I got the victory, so overall I am quite happy with it.

"The fight was exciting. He is a good fighter and has won two national titles. He caught me a few times, but never hurt me.

"I had him going a few times but he is experienced and I just couldn't quite land a clean shot."

Gill, pictured below, was delighted with the result, but believes there is much more to come from Hill.

He said: "He won on points, but made hard work of it. He was too keen to knock him out, but he won it clearly enough.

"I'm sure if he fights him again he will knock him out.

"He can box better, he just needed to pick his shots a little bit better. But he forced a few standing counts and O'Donnell was staggered a few times.

"He should have gone to the body more, he was going for too many head punches."

Gill is convinced that Hill has what it takes to reach the very top of the professional game.

"Tony can go as far as he wants," he said. "He is dedicated, he trains so hard, he is teetotal, eats well and all the rest of it. Also he is very exciting to watch.

"But he is still only 17. He still has a long way to go and he is still learning.

"Potentially he has it all - skill, power and speed."

Hill added: "Unfortunately I'm too young for the Athens Olympics next year and by the time of the next Olympics I will be 22. I will just have to see how it goes. But eventually I want to turn professional."