BOXING: Ryan Garner and Jack Hillier are hungry for more after representing their country at the prestigious Junior World Boxing Championships in Kiev.

The Southampton ABC pair were in the Ukraine for ten days for the what is the highest level that can be reached for boxers born in 1997 and 1998.

Hillier was first up in the 48-50kg class but lost to Misheelt Battumur of Mongolia on a unanimous points decision.

Garner got a bye to the second round of the 52-54kg class and then totally dominated against Kiryl Padlutski of Belarus to gain a comfortable unanimous points win.

His major test came in the quarter-final when he was up against two-times Cuban national champion, and hot favourite to win the tournament, Alayn Boudet.

Garner put in a fantastic showing and was just on the wrong side of a narrow spilt decision that could have gone either way.

Southampton AC coach, Gary White, said: “Southampton Amateur Boxing Club are very proud of the efforts of both these young lads and they now go off to another selection camp hoping to be picked for the European junior championships in Russia in November and we wish them all the best for that.

“Jack tried his hardest but unfortunately couldn’t make his way in to the next round. It was Jack’s first time boxing at international level and it was a great experience for him which will only stand him in good stead for the future.

“Ryan boxed out of his skin and pushed Boudet all the way before losing and indeed Boudet went on to win gold which shows just how close Ryan came to winning gold himself, but he has the honour of being ranked number five in the world by AIBA (Amateur International Boxing Association).

“It’s a fantastic achievement for both of them to get there.

“Jack has really come from nowhere this season and this is a testament to how hard he has worked.

“We have known all about Ryan’s abilities and achievements in the past but he just keeps getting better and better.

“They are both smashing young lads as well, you couldn’t wish to meet more dedicated, hard working and nice boys so to have had this incredible experience, and for them both to be so hungry for more, is a real tribute to them.”