Heart of Portsmouth boxer Sonny Driscoll's best is not quite enough in National Youth Championships title bid

That was the view of his Heart of Portsmouth Academy coach Q Shillingford following his National Youth Championships under-60kg male final defeat to Patris Mughalzai in County Durham.

The Leigh Park fighter was faced with an almighty task to become number one in the country.

Hooks Boxing Club’s Mughalzai has won multiple titles in his youth career and is a seasoned international.

In his role as an England coach, Shillingford had previously worked closely with Driscoll’s youth championships final opponent.

But the Heart of Portsmouth head coach feels his fighter should walk away with his held high having delivered his ‘best’ display in the ring against a top young boxer.

‘It’s such a shame for Sonny,’ Shillingford said.

‘He is so dedicated and worked really hard.

‘But he came up against a multi-title, seasoned international in Patris Mughalzai.

‘With me being an England coach, I took him to Germany to compete in the Championships.

‘I know him and knew it was going to be a tough task.

‘I knew it was going to be a tough task, but I didn’t realise Sonny was going to take him to the brink.

‘Sonny boxed the best I’ve ever seen him.

‘He really rose to the occasion and it paid dividends.

‘He put up a last round assault.

‘But that was not enough to give him a points win.

‘It was a real commendable performance.

‘Now he’s been put on the England team for all his hard work.’

Driscoll is no stranger to the international scene himself.

In fact, he won a Three Nations gold medal when representing England last year.

Following his National Youth Championships exploits, Driscoll is now in the picture to compete for his country again.

The HOP members next aim will gaining selection to defend his Three Nations crown next month.

‘Sonny won the Three Nations, becoming a gold medallist last year,’ Shilingford added.

‘He stepped up another level to go against a full international in Patris.

‘He’s on the England team so he can now push forward.

‘Both him and Holly (Heffron) could both go to the Three Nations, which would be great for the club.’