RISING amateur boxing star Jordan Gill is hoping a win in Saturday’s national Clubs for Young People (CYP) final could increase his chance of turning professional.

The 16-year-old, who boxes for Chatteris Amateur Boxing Club, has defended his Eastern Counties title on six occasions but is yet to land a national title despite appearing in four finals.

However, Gill’s profile continues to rise in boxing circles and he is hoping to draw on the experience of those agonising defeats for his bout with Hadleigh Jalil of Hoddesdon ABC.

“A win could really put me on the map,” said Gill, who has boxed competitively since the age of 11.

“I’m looking towards the professional game and if you win a national title as an amateur you can get a better deal with a promoter.”

“You learn from your failures and I’ve had a few in national finals but it’s not always good winning all the time.

“I’m not nervous because I believe this is my destiny. Coming second is no option for me on Saturday.”

By beating Jalil the super featherweight, who is competing in the 57-60kg category, can join an esteemed list of CYP winners which includes Amir Khan.

Gill beat Michael Ballingall, reigning CYP champion at the 54-57kg weight, 19-15 in last weekend’s semi-final in Wales.

His father, Chatteris ABC coach Paul Gill, hopes the success of his son may encourage others to take up boxing in Fenland.

He said: “This will encourage other kids to see a little fella from Chatteris making a national final.

“We’re doing the best we can to make better people which is what we want to do at the club - for me it’s not all about the boxing.”

• Contact Matty Payne on 01354 693630 for tickets for Chatteris ABC’s show on November 13. The club also thanked sponsors www.globaltilesuk.com for their continued support and March ABC coaches Will Sutton and Dave Cole who cheered Jordan on during his semi-final.

• March Amateur Boxing Club’s Conor Crosby defeated Earl Shilton’s Noel Gilbert on points at Hinckley ABC’s show on Friday night. Ambrose Draper lost on points to Shaun Bruce. Coach Bernie Wing said: “Conor gave a good display of boxing throughout the three rounds and we’re very pleased with him. Ambrose began to match a very good Shaun Bruce as the bout went on. It was a great match and a rematch is a must.”