DROITWICH boxing prospect Joe Doyle pulled out all the stops to win gold at the prestigious Monkstown International Box Cup which took place in Ireland.

Joe enjoyed three gruelling days in Dublin where he won three bouts against top class opposition to land the 36 kilo category.

The competition is billed as Europe's largest boxing tournament for schoolboys/girls/ juniors and under-18's.

Joe opened his campaign by outpointing Northern Ireland champion John Ward and then followed up by beating Republic of Ireland No.1 Karl Sheridan.

That victory set up a final against two-time England national champion Tariq Agius from London.

Despite boxing six rounds the previous day, both boys demonstrated their blistering speed and power with Joe clinching the judge's verdict after compelling work in the first and third rounds.

It was just the pick-me-up Joe needed after his recent narrow defeat at the England National Schools Championship finals.

Delighted coach and father Jayson Doyle said: "We thought Joe had done enough to win the national title, so to lose by one point was disappointing and a tough decision to take after such a great deal of hard work.

"Joe will learn from the experience and to put that behind him, we needed to impress in Ireland. He did that convincingly against three very strong boxers with excellent reputations.