RYAN Butler will be aiming to make it two junior ABA titles on the trot when he boxes in Sheffield at the weekend.

The Berry Boys ABC fighter defeated Yorkshire fighter Beck Emery with a second round stoppage in the 80kg+ final last year.

And he heads to Ponds Forge sports centre for the semi-finals on Saturday, determined to book his place in Sunday’s final to defend his crown.

Accompanying him will be Berry coach Ned Quirey who has watched the Beauchamps School pupil’s progress since he joined the Vallance Road club five years ago.

Butler was the club’s first national champion in 18 years last year and his fellow boxers and coaches are hoping the Wickford teenager can deliver the goods again this time round.

The draw for the semi-finals will pitch him against either fellow regional champions Kyle Jelley (Hall Green), Thomas Wilson (Tigers) or Mitchell Turner (Barnstaple).

While Butler is in action in the Steel City, his club-mates will be preparing for Berry’s home show at James Hornsby School, in Leinster Road, Laindon, on Saturday.

Lenny Neal, Billy Forbes, Lewis Stevens, George Waters, Jake Sparks, Lewis Smith and Luke Brickwood will be representing the host club against rivals from Essex and beyond.

Jamie Short will be making his debut and Berry matchmaker Danny Linger is trying to line up opponents for Shay Norman and Tamer Aslim.

Doors at the school’s sports hall open at 6pm and boxing is due to start at 7pm. Entry is £12.50 for adults and £6 for children.

Berry chiefs thanked sponsors Williams Plastering, Forum Contracts, CMC Sealants Ltd and Danielee Builders & Shopfitters for helping stage the show.