Rai’s appetite is whetted despite semi-final defeat in Novice Championships

Cleary’s Gym’s Jai Rai suffered a narrow defeat to reigning champion Abdul Saeed in the 50kg semi-final of the Junior Novice Development Championships in Warrington.

Rai had received a bye to the last four to face the Sheffield Lane Top boxer, who had come through an earlier round against Harrogate’s Jamie Walker.

And that early-season action proved key as the more fight-fit Saeed went on to stamp his mark on the bout in the final 30 seconds of the rounds.

Rai’s coach Edwin Cleary said it had been a good learning experience for his charge, however.

He said: “Saeed was sharper and a bit more seasoned but this should give Jai a bit more appetite for the sport.”