TEENAGER Jerry Mongan came through another big test of his top level credentials as he defeated Irish Champion Owen McDonagh in County Mayo.

The 14-year-old from Stourport was part of a 19 strong contingent from Great Britain who took on the best young fighters Ireland had to offer.

Remarkably the visiting team recorded 13 wins in the home of one of the most competitive boxing nations in the world.

Home schooled Mongan tackled the Irish Schoolboys champion and emerged triumphant over three rounds on a spit decision.

Victory was the perfect preparation for the European Championships, which will be held in Hungary.

Brother Michael Mongan said: “Ireland is a very strong nation, they have produced a host of good boxers over the years.

“But at the moment we’ve produced so much strength in depth at the moment it is amazing. Normally we don’t have more than three or four good fighters but there is a whole crop coming through.”

Mongan has had a setback in his selection for the GB squad. A break down in communications had led the young fighter to believe he would be selected for the squad but in fact the team has yet to be officially selected.

Mongan is set to attend a training camp this weekend in Bradford in order to impress coaches ahead of the tournament.

He’s had a fine season, winning the English Schoolboys title in the U54kg section.