TWO boxers from the same Inverclyde club were as proud as punch after meeting in the final of a prestigious competition.

Greenock Boxing Club pair Rhys McCole, 17, and Tony Orr, 18, were involved in a pulsating bout for the Western District title.

Tony was the eventual winner but only after going the distance with Rhys for the trophy at the 60kg weight level.

The boxers train at Danny Lee's gym in Bawhirley Road and it was an unusual scenario for the head coach.

Danny said: "It does happen but not very often. "The boys were a credit to the club, it was an absolutely unbelievable final.

"Although it ended a unanimous decision, it was so close.

"Tony won the first round and Rhys got the second so it was a round each going into the third and final round.

"People were on their feet. "The boys just went for it, especially in the last round. "People I don't even know came up to me and said how unbelievable they were and commented on how unreal their fitness levels were."

While Tony won the contest on the judges' scorecard, the scenario of him facing club-mate Rhys in the final did result in a split decision among the Greenock club's coaching team when it came to being in their respective corners.

In the interest of fairness, they stepped aside with Barry Clark from Keir Hardie Boxing Club assisting Tony and Bert McShane, of Forgewood, supporting Rhys.

Danny said: "I've had it before with two from the same club fighting and I ask them what other coach they would like in their corner. "Barry and Bert done a great job and gave each of the boys some good advice.

"It was a change for me, I stood up the back and watched it. "What a contest it was, everybody was talking about it."