The fifth element is glorious for Akash Tuqir

On four occasions the reigning European champion has had to settle for second place at the top table of domestic action,

But there's was no stopping the 17-year-old, who represents Merridale Boxing Club in Wolverhampton, this time as he made no mistake in his second Youth final.

Attempts at a previous Youth, one Junior and two schoolboys deciders had all seen him come up second best by the slenderest of margins.

He was just 12 when he won Tri-Nations gold as a schoolboy, while he also took bronze at the last Youth Three Nations.

But the Shropshire flyweight is now the best Youth fighter in England and Europe at 52kg and will defend his Euro crown in Lithuania next month.

His exploits in Poland put him on the map in November, momentum which has now been transitioned to club level.

November's World Youth Championship in Russia is his ultimate target, with his next England date for a tournament against Germany in Basingstoke on March 4.

It's all coming together for the tall southpaw, who is targeting a clean sweep of honours before stepping up to the seniors next year. He turns 18 on May 6.

He said: "It's about time I won a national title, it made me even more determined after winning the Euros. It just didn't sound right to be a European champion and not a national one.

"This definitely felt as good and all of the finals that came before this don't matter now. It's the best time to do it, too, as most of the lads who beat me are not around anymore.

"I'm stronger and sharper at the weight then I've never been. I put more pressure on my opponents now and I knew what I had to do.

"I'm confident I can do well again at the Euros and there's only the worlds left for me after that. It's in my hands whether I get picked for it.

"Boxing for my country has been the making of me and I'm really looking forward to what's ahead. I'm back in the England camp next weekend and I'll take it from there."

Tuqir, along with Wellington Boxing Academy's Idris Mohammed, were the county's interest in finals weekend at the Magna Centre in Rotherham.

Mohammed fell in the quarter-finals on Friday to Darnell Sterling, from Manor in Sheffield, by unanimous points decision.

The 16-year-old, taking part in his fifth outing in the competition, looked jaded and was warned by the referee in the third and final round for holding.

But Tuqir took out his first rival by third round stoppage with an overwhelming last session barrage that saw Connor Adaway, from Plympton in Devon, handing two standing counts.

A left backhand had Adaway backpedalling with the referee stepping in to issue his first count, before Tuqir attacked again with combinations as his foe fell onto the ropes.

The man in the middle intervened for a second time and then waved Adaway off, setting Tuqir up for Saturday's tough semi-final against Edward Barrett.

The vastly-experienced Irishman has won national titles in both England and his homeland, now boxing out of Hooks in London.

Barratt came for a brawl, as Tuqir looked to step off and pop the trademark right jab out in a tentative opening.

The Shropshire southpaw did his best work in the second half of the fight and commanded the centre of the ring, as the bout went the distance.

Nerves engulfed both combatants but it was Tuqir who had his hand raised on a split decision, putting him into a fifth national final.

And there was to be no hard luck story again on Sunday, as the talented teenager exorcised past demons to roll over Muavi Nasim, from Queensway in Rochdale, unanimously.

Tuqir had to walk down his adversary, but proved too strong with his straight punches as he threw his shots in twos to win over the judges.

His corner, consisting of long-term coach Khalid Hussain and Harinder Singh, celebrated with their man when he was handed the big white belt afterwards.