TWO Droitwich Amateur Boxing Academy fighters made encouraging starts to the season with victories in a Central England show at Alcester.

Joe Doyle scored a unanimous points victory against his toughest opponent to date, last year’s national champion Charlie Hickford from London’s Repton club.

In the thrilling elite level contest, Doyle showed no rustiness in his first fight of the campaign.

He took the opening round thanks to his solid jabs and relentless body shots.

Hickford bounced back in the second to set up a pulsating final round as both boxers went toe to toe for the win.

Doyle came out on top for his offensive domination.

In his novice bout, George Francis made it two victories out of two this season after winning against Kevin Youton from Nottinghamshire’s Eastwood club.

The Spa youngster combined excellent movement and solid defence in the opening exchanges.

Francis went on to dominate the clash as he landed a plethora of clean shots on his opponent.