CARLISLE boxers John Joe Carrigan and Marc Haughan claimed gold medals at the Haringey Box Cup. 

The fighters took part in Europe's largest senior and youth boxing competition at Alexandra Palace between Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16.

Carrigan claimed gold in the Male Youth - 71kg category, whilst Haughan claimed the top prize in the Male Senior - 75kg. 

On his way to gold, Haughan, fighting out of Carlisle Villa Amateur Boxing Club faced three opponents.

In the quarter-finals, Haughan faced Yorkshire Champion Tommy Naismith who he had defeated two times previously this season, and took the fight after three competitive rounds by a unanimous decision. 

Next up was Birmingham fighter Brandon Robinson, with relentless combinations from the Cumbrian forcing the referee to stop the contest in the second round.

In the final, Haughan faced another Birmingham boxer Regan Williams who was disqualified from the fight for holding during the contest.

Jimmy Brennan is a coach at Carlisle Villa ABC and commented on Haughan's success at the Haringey Box Cup as well as previewing his involvement at the GB Three Nations Elite Championships on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23.

He said: "After three bouts in three days Marc Haughan from Carlisle Villa Amateur Boxing Club has won Senior Elite gold at the biggest senior and youth boxing competition in Europe.

"It was a fantastic weekend and great preparation for Marc who will represent England this weekend in the GB championships in Livingston, Scotland."

On his way to gold, Carrigan faced Sonney Rawlings, New Zealander Whatihua Kaire, and London fighter Nathan Barratt, with the Carlisle fighter winning two of the bouts after the referees stepped in and took the final thanks to a unanimous decision.

Ian Archibald is a coach at Border City Amateur Boxing Club and congratulated Carrigan on his achievement.

He said: "Three very entertaining bouts in three days saw him pick up the best male youth boxer of the tournament, yet again another massive achievement to add to his haul of success in the amateur ranks and he stood out and got a deserved best boxer belt.

"John Joe travels next to Germany in five weeks with Team England to take part in the Brandenburg Cup, then later on in the year will head to the World Championships."