Horrocks is into nationals last four after mature display

Horrocks travelled up a day early for the bout at Salford College, tuning up at Littleborough ABC in Rochdale under the watchful eye of coach Derek Fitzpatrick’s former trainer.

The preparation looked to have paid off as the 15-year-old easily won the first round.

The second round was a more even affair, described as a ‘tear-up’ by Fitzpatrick before Horrocks showed his maturity by reasserting his control in the final round, twice rocking Morris back on his heels.

“Joe showed his ever-growing maturity,” said Fitzpatrick. “It was an easy day’s work for me.

“He came back to the corner after the second round and told me that he stoppped in the pocket too long and traded too much.

“He’s growing into the process and maturing beyond belief, both in and out of the ring.”

Horrocks now goes on to face Halifax Police ABC’s Jake Turner in Clowne, Derbyshire, on Sunday.