THREE upcoming York boxers are to head a strong local contingent for a show at Tang Hall Working-Mens' Club on Wednesday.

Luke Atkin, James Cooper and Andy Smith go into the show boosted by recent stirring performances.

The 14-year-old Atkin was included with York's Glen Banks in a ten-strong team put together by Mike Bromby (St Paul's Amateur Boxing Club, Hull) to fight host Dutch opposition.

Atkin shrugged off being penalised a point in the opening round of his 56-kilogrammes bout by exerting severe pressure to gain a unanimous verdict over Martin Petrusma.

Unfortunately Banks' rival pulled out through injury.

Cooper, also aged 14, produced a blitz of fast, sharp punching for a unanimous points' win over Paul Everingham (Redcar ABC) at Hull's Willerby Manor Hotel, while York All Saints BC fighter Smith (13) impressed with his flair and footwork, but was narrowly out-pointed in his 39-kilogrammes' debut by Sam Knight of Hull at the Country Park Hotel in Hull.

All three, plus Banks, Danny Smith, Blake Atkin and Mark Draper are on the Tang Hall WMC card next week.

York's Lee Stewart, aged 11, gained his fourth win in four bouts after a unanimous points' win over Middlesbrough's Curtis Maloney at Burmantofts Sports and Social Club.

Updated: 11:22 Saturday, April 13, 2002