A TEENAGE boxer from Leamington won bronze at the World Futures Cup to rank as the third-best under-19 fighter in the world.
Jaya Kalsi, who boxes out of Cleary’s Gym in Leamington, took bronze at the prestigious event in Bangkok, Thailand.
The 16-year-old delivered a series of exceptional performances at the tournament which also served as a Youth Olympic boxing qualifier.
Representing England Boxing, Kalsi combined sharp and accurate combinations with movement, ring control and a relentless work rate.
Kalsi stayed composed under pressure and adapted her tactics against international opponents across her bouts.
She stopped a fighter from New Zealand in her opening bout as the referee stepped in to prevent her opponent suffering further damage.
Kalsi claimed a tightly-contested split decision victory against a fighter from Ukraine as her in-ring intelligence helped secure a narrow win.
The teenager then overcame a fighter from North Korea in a standout quarter-final performance as her timing and shot selection saw Kalsi win by unanimous decision.
Kalsi’s run in the competition came to an end against a fighter from the United States of America which left the Leamington boxer to settle for bronze.
She has won 35 of 40 bouts and previously took gold on the European stage and has won multiple national titles.
Kalsi also now holds a strong position in qualifying for the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal which take place in November later this year.
