LEIGH Boxing Club fighters brought home three gold medals and one silver from the Monkstown International Box Cup in Dublin.

Coach Adrian Fleming says the haul is a mark of the club’s talent, with the event attracting 900 boxers from the UK, Europe, Canada and the USA competing over three days.

Leigh’s golden gongs were won by captain Josh Taylor, Wez Holding and Callum Ryder, while Will Hewitt clinched silver.

A dominant display of power and aggression earned 12-year-old Holding a unanimous points victory in the 40kg final, defeating Kenny Graham (Thurles).

He had despatched an opponent from Sheffield and Ray O’Reilly (Newrey) before grabbing first prize.

Ryder, a 15-year-old bantamweight, was in blistering form throughout.

He saw off Brad Smith (Trowbridge) in the last eight before turning in his best displays to date to beat Irish champion Liam Duff in the semi finals.

He took the fight to Johnny Murphy (Mullingar) in the medal bout, taking gold in the 54kg weight class after a unanimous points verdict from the judges.

Team Leigh skipper Josh Taylor recovered from a torrid opening round to beat Pole Agi Vitlips – the pre-tournament favourite –Go in the 66kg welterweight division semi final.

The 17-year-old changed tactics after his opponent’s power had put him on the defensive during the early stages, scoring regularly with rapid attacks.

Level going into a deciding third round, his combinations and heavy blows made the difference.

Taylor went on to dominate the medal match against Kai Green (Hyde) to secure Team Leigh’s third gold.

Will Hewitt, in the 44kg class, turned in two high-quality performances against opponents from Portsmouth and Tralee to set up a final bout against Yorkshire champion Michael Brooke (Platinum).

A close, technical encounter led to the rivals taking a round each before the 14-year-old missed out on gold only after a split decision.

His twin brother, Paddy, in the 50kg division, suffered a narrow points reverse against Polish fighter Leva Mischa.

“Paddy showed plenty of quality after receiving a very tough draw, and that augers well for the future,” said Fleming.