It's a family affair as Donnington go forth

Brayden, the youngest of two boxing brothers, settled for silver with his country the hosts for the Schools Three Nations, writes Craig Birch.

The 14-year-old was narrowly outpointed on a split decision at 41.5kg by Edward Jackson, in an all-England final at the Doncaster Dome, last weekend.

He was called up on the back of his Schools semi-final run with the home nation getting two picks, with fighters from Scotland and Wales also involved.

The Idsall School pupil was making his international debut, which still awaits older brother Liam Davies despite only coming second through injury in the Elite Three Nations at the end of April.

While Brayden got the chance to compete in his decider, Liam was ruled out by the ring doctor due to swelling over both eyes and a nick below his right from the previous bout.

It also cost him a spot at the Elite Three Nations, but he's recovered for assessments at Team GB's boxing home, the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where he returns this weekend.

Liam, 20, has previously featured for England at Schools level which another Donnington fighter, Bradley Thompson, is hoping to follow.

All three are coached by Brayden and Liam's dad Tristan Davies, who represented Wales and reached a national ABA final in 2001 before turning pro at the age of 23.

Bradley, 15, brought home Donnington's first national honours since Tristan took over the club from his late father Brian in 2011.

The Telford Priory School student went all of the way in the Schools competition this year at 42kg, but the 2001 born only class were not considered for England selection.

Tristan said: "I'm really proud of my boys and they've given the other lads in the gym something to look up to them for. That's important for any boxing club.

"I wouldn't call myself a pushy dad, but I've definitely worked them hard in terms of training. I've boxed at that level, so I know what's required.

"Brayden may not have won gold, but he's worn the England shirt and no one can ever take that away from you. He showed some good variation in his skills and he's one to look out for.

"Liam has his second assessment this weekend, but he'll probably be hanging around until after the Olympics to see if Team GB will take him on. That's what we are trying to push for.

"If Brad carries on developing as he is, I can't see anything different than him getting called up. All he need to do is keep on listening and working hard.

"It's been a massive step up for them this year but they've all done well and, in some cases, been very unlucky. There's loads we can build on."

Brayden's England bow came in a semi-final contest against Wales' Alex O'Sullivan, who he saw off on a split.

The Shropshire teenager set a pace for the first two of the three rounds and survived a fade in the final session to have his hand raised.

The roles were reversed against Jackson the following day as he gave away the first, coming back fighting in the last two. This time, the result went the other way.

Tristan said: "We only had six days notice to get Brayden ready and we'd given the lads some time off to rest.

"But he's got a great engine, he can roll under punches and fire back at his opponents which he used to good effect. He was always throwing the lion's share of the shots."