CLASSY Dudley O Shaughnessy served notice that he aims to improve on last year s national runners-up spot on the ABA title trail when he headed West Ham s four-time title triumph at Saturday s London ABA Finals at York Hall, Bethnal Green. He was backed

CLASSY Dudley O'Shaughnessy served notice that he aims to improve on last year's national runners-up spot on the ABA title trail when he headed West Ham's four-time title triumph at Saturday's London ABA Finals at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

He was backed up by Tom Baker, Charlie Duffield and walkover winner Shaun Hussain, as the Hammers enjoyed their best London final success for years.

O'Shaughnessy staked his title claim in a high-standard semi-final, with Bradley Skeete (Earlsfield) a finalist at a lighter weight last year.

The rapid-fire punching of the West Hammer set up the victory in a punch-packed duel, but Skeete fought gamely and even earned one judge's verdict in the majority decision.

The West Ham boxer ripped through John Brennan (Dale Youth) in the final with impressive combination punches.

He punched too hard and too often for his rival, who needed the respite of standing counts before the bout was stopped in the third round.

Tom Baker, the Hammers' 18-year-old light-middleweight, came though a semi-final against Lynn's Josh Ejakpovi with his superior boxing earning the unanimous decision.

Baker followed up with another unanimous vote in the final against Earlsfield's Robert Garvey, stepping up the attacks in the final round to clinch the verdict and the London title in his first ABA senior campaign.

Former schoolboy champion Charlie Duffield came good, taking the London ABA 81kg title - he had his last contest at 54kg six years ago.

The 22-year-old showed he has matured when he defeated Duane Sinclair (South Norwood and Victory) in the London final, much to the delight of his large following.

Duffield attacked his taller opponent throughout the clash and under-pressure Sinclair was forced to take standing counts in each of the three rounds, leaving the West Ham man a comfortable points winner to take the London title.

WEST HAM'S Aqeel Ahmed defeated Samuel Cox of Repton, who retired in the second round on the Lion show on Friday. Joe Walder won on points against Chris Singh (Lion).

NEWHAM boxing club stick to a formula that has brought success in the past when they stage their club tournament at the East Ham WMC on Friday night.

They parade a line-up of prospects from their own successful junior squad against visiting opposition, with neighbouring Peacock BC lining up their senior boxers for action on the bill.

Boxing starts at 7.30pm with tickets available on the door.