Quartermaine’s impressive run ended in the quarters

After training through the festive period, Quartermaine has been fighting once a week to reach the last eight of the competition.

However, despite looking impressive in the gym in the build up to his fight with Khaleel Majid in Stoke, the Cleary’s ABC boxer was unable to reproduce the form which has seen him beat two former champions and an England international.

Majid from Halliwell ABC deservedly got the nod from the judges, but Edwin Cleary said there was no shame in Quartermaine losing to the veteran of 60-plus fights.

“I’m so very proud of Danny,” said Cleary. “Every time he boxes, spars or trains he always give 100 per cent.

“But on Sunday - as he did a little the previous week - he looked fatigued.

“He wasn’t anywhere near as sharp as normal and he just couldn’t seem to keep his attacks going.

“Normally Dan works for every second of every round, but he wasn’t putting together his normal combinations.

“Danny has to remember he was an 11-bout novice going into this tournament, boxing guys with 40, 50, 60 bouts.

“Majid had over 60 bouts, has won national titles and a silver medal in the Four Nations.”

There will be a short respite for Quartermaine before he takes on the best the Royal Navy has to offer at the Warwick School dinner show on February 22.

And after that Cleary is in no doubt that title belts will be coming the teenager’s way.

“Danny was no way outclassed and at a heartbeat I would take a rematch,” he added.

“He there now and needs to come back stronger. And he will.

“Over the next 20 to 30 bouts he will improve so much and I’m confident he will win a national title. He’s a very special talent.”