JACK LANGFORD couldn't wait to step into the ring as Bideford ABC hosted some high-class championship boxing at the weekend.

The last time he was due to meet England international Scott Wilson, the bout was cancelled because the Plymouth prospect was unwell.

On Sunday though, Bideford's Langford and Wilson of Pilgrims ABC finally got to square off in the Senior ABAs.

And it was worth the wait as Langford produced his trademark combinations for a 13-10 victory against a highly-rated opponent.

After four rounds in which both lads impressed with their speedy shot making, the home favourite was crowned Western Counties Southern Division champ.

He said: "It was a good fight. I think the first round was quite close and from then on I got the better of him.

"Because he was behind in the last round, he came forward a lot and walked on to my punches."

Of the three North Devon boxers on display, Langford was the only winner, but there were encouraging displays from the other two.

Combe Martin's Damien Knill has pledged to get back in the gym for more tough training after his defeat to Lewis Kerley of Bournemouth.

Ahead on points after the first two rounds, he was landing some meaty shots before running out of steam in the third.

The 16-year-old said: "I was all right for the first round and the second round. The movement and power and everything was there — I was comfortable.

"But in the third round the stamina wasn't there."

Knill missed out 6-4 on points but can take heart from a good record of five wins and just two defeats in his debut season.

He will be in action again in Combe Martin ABC's next show at the village hall on March 27.

That occasion should also provide another opportunity for Tommy Herd who admits he "can't wait to get out there again".

Herd was involved in a tactical tussle against Truro's Adam Tanner, eventually being pipped 3-2 after leading 2-0 going into the final round.

"I thought I had won," said the 19-year-old after his 24th bout. "When he was catching me, I thought I was catching him back with more shots. I thought I was winning about 4-2."

It has been a difficult season for Herd who has lost his last three fights, all by desperately close decisions.

In the third, Tanner's body shots found a way past his opponent's previously watertight defence.

In a show featuring plenty of the best young boxers in the South West, the Cornish visitor had to work hard.

Earlier, he came through an eliminator against Kingsteignton's Wayne Bellamy with a knockout victory.

● Combe Martin ABC's Mark Peach and Jake Thorne put in some important stamina work at the Bideford Half Marathon. Peach celebrated his 21st birthday by completing his first race over the distance in 1-28.

Both boxers will be in action in the club's open show at the village hall on March 27. Another sell-out is expected and tickets can be ordered on 07716 126390.