JOE Crawford added to his reputation as the ‘champion slayer’ after adding the Scottish scalp to his collection.

The Sandygate youngster, representing a Lancashire/Fylde Coast Select team, beat Scotland’s unbeaten schoolboy champion Matty Johnstone at The Cliff’s Hotel, Blackpool.

The talented 12-year-old has now beaten the Irish, Merseyside, Cheshire and Yorkshire champions at his age and two North West champions the year above.

And he recently overturned the only loss of his fledgling career, beating James Turner of Croxteth on the Clayton ABC show at the Dunkenhaiugh Hotel.

In Blackpool, Crawford had the honor of representing his county against a Scottish Select team - and he was up against a talented and taller opponent from north of the border.

The opening round was a torrid affair with Johnstone deciding to mix it in the middle with Crawford who rolled countered, switched and connected well with head and body shots.

The second saw the Ighten Hill prospect come out composed and focused with Johnstone deciding to use his reach advantage, and holding in the clinches, Crawford penetrated the jab again focusing on the body, covering up well and scoring frequently.

The third was again non-stop action and sensing he was behind on the score cards, Johnstone threw everything at Crawford - but the St Christopher’s Year 8 pupil was not to be fazed.

He worked well on the inside while maintaining a tight guard as the tough Caledonian threw a endless barrage of blows but to no avail.

And it was to a hushed audience the MC announced a split decision in favour of Sandygate’s Crawford.

It has been a good start to the year for the Burnley club as it added National title to its long established history when 15-year-old Brendan Collins boxed in the England Boxing (formally the ABA) Junior Development 50kg National Final against Kent’s Thomas Price (Gravesham ABC) at The Merlins, Isle of Sheppey where he beat him on points.

Anyone interested in taking up the noble-art can find info on www.sandygateabc.com