Jacob plunders another major title after commanding performances against bigger boxers

The 15 year-old Jack Hunt School student won the 57kg Championship in North Devon to add to his already impressive tally of titles. He beat two taller opponents over a weekend of action wit excellent movement, sharp punching and ring control.

In the semi-final, Hussain faced Irish boxer Michael McConnell of St John’s Bosco, Belfast, a fighter who came into the contest on a winning streak and was certainly no novice.

McConnell had the height and reach advantage, but those attributes counted for little against Hussain's speed and movement. From the opening bell, Hussain controlled the centre of the ring with his jab, repeatedly finding his opponent with clean, powerful punches. McConnell was game and attempted to close the distance, but soon began to tire as he was forced to chase Hussain around the ring. Hussain remained composed, controlling the centre and dictating the pace with his jab.

Round two followed a similar pattern. Hussain continued to find his target with his jab and backhand while moving quickly out of range. McConnell repeatedly lunged forward, losing his shape and finding himself falling into the ropes. Towards the end of the round, Hussain landed a powerful body shot that visibly hurt McConnell. The Belfast boxer was fortunate to hear the bell and return to his corner.

Hussain immediately took advantage of his dominance, giving McConnell an eight count within the opening 20 seconds of the third round. Just 10 seconds later, Hussain scored another eight count and with McConnell unable to mount a meaningful response, the referee stepped in and stopped the contest, sending Hussain through to the final.

The following day brought another challenge against a taller opponent, Arjan Bathmanathan of Rainham Boxing Club— an ex-teammate of Hussain.

Bathmanathan possessed exceptionally long arms, but Hussain quickly found his range. In the opening round, his sharp jab repeatedly troubled the Rainham boxer.

Bathmanathan attempted to use his strength to rag-doll Hussain, but Hussain remained difficult to contain, continually turning his opponent. When Bathmanathan tried to hold, Hussain worked his way free, landing body shots and an uppercut.

Round two began explosively, with Hussain landing 10 unanswered shots before Bathmanathan could properly respond. Hussain forced his opponent towards the ropes and took complete control of the pace and ring. Bathmanathan found it increasingly difficult to retaliate, and when he did create space, his punches were often wild and uncontrolled.

Hussain's movement again proved decisive. Working at angles, he repeatedly caused Bathmanathan to lose his balance and struggled to establish his own rhythm.

In the third round, Hussain still had plenty of energy and plenty to offer the watching crowd. Bathmanathan, meanwhile, was showing signs of fatigue, becoming more sluggish and falling into his punches, leaving openings for Hussain to exploit.

With his opponent increasingly resorting to running around the ring, Hussain continued to close the distance and land. Bathmanathan attempted to smother the action by climbing onto Hussain at close quarters, making the final round messy.

But Hussain, who fights out of the Pound 4 Pound club in Walsall, remained in control. He repeatedly freed his left arm, spun away from Bathmanathan and landed his backhand cleanly.

Despite the untidy nature of the final round, Hussain's superior movement, accuracy, fitness and ring craft had already established the difference between the two fighters with the local lad winning unanimously on points.