A DORSET boxer who began his career at Weymouth has punched his way into the England ABA finals.

Heavyweight, Explosive' Joseph Harvey will represent the Royal Navy in tonight's 86kg showdown with Sunderland's Warren Baister at the York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Harvey, who won seven of his ten bouts while training with Weymouth ABC, outgunned his semi-final opponent Martin McDonagh from London, giving him three standing counts.

The first came from a left hook in round one, two rights stopped McDonagh in his tracks in round two and a thunderous trademark right ended McDonagh's hopes in the final round.

Weymouth ABC chairman David Nelmes: "We always knew Joe had a bright future and we're not surprised he has got this far. We all wish him well and everyone at the club hopes he goes on to win the title.

"He used to come to us from Swanage and was a mild-mannered quiet lad.

"In fact, in one of his earliest bouts he came back to the corner after the second round and told us he hasn't hit me yet' to which I replied, that's the name of the game Joe'.

"We started him on the right way and he's a lovely lad. We're all rooting for Joe tonight."