Johnstone seals double belt success

ASHINGTON’S Josh Johnstone, not 19 until July, is now a double belt holder having switched to unlicensed boxing to stay with his amateur coach Alan Buller.

Josh claimed the Area welterweight belt when beating Manchester’s John Spencer at Walker and has now added a second strap in the light welter division with a second-round stoppage of former pro Billy Bell from South Shields at Dunston’s Lancastrian Suite.

“He had Bell on the canvas twice in the first round and 30 seconds in to the second the referee stepped in to halt the contest,” said Buller.

“Josh is unbeaten since coming over with me.”

Buller, whose new boxing club is called Wansbeck Warriors, has also enjoyed success with his Sunday football team.

Ashington Station Lounge defeated Cramlington Green in the Eric Anderson Cup final in dramatic fashion.

They were undeservedly one down to the Standard Security Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League side from the top division through an own goal but scored twice in the last 10 minutes to triumph. ■■THERE is no disputing the talent trainer Imran Naeem has at his disposal at the Natural Progression Academy in Stockton.

Three of his charges will join Tommy Ward on the Josh Warrington-Kiko Martinez undercard in Leeds next month.

Twins Josh and Kalam Leather have recently been joined by another talented fighter in Joe Maphosa with the first of the trio stepping up to 12 rounds, championship level, in Leeds when he opposes Philip Sutcliffe Jnr for the IBF Inter-continental super lightweight strap.