JAMIE Hercus has become Essex University's latest gold medal winner after triumphing at the Haringey International Boxcup at Alexandra Palace.

The 17-year-old claimed his second major title and gold of the season, after beating Bournemouth's Jake Carr in the final of Europe’s largest amateur boxing event.

The competition took place over three consecutive days, with 500 male and female boxers from all over Europe compete at London’s most prestigious venue.

Carr was a much more experienced opponent but was thrown out of his stride from the opening bell, by Hercus's solid left jab.

Seizing on this, the Essex University boxer landed left rights before Carr came right back at him.

After catching most of the punches on his arms, Carr's solid right rattled Hercus before his left hand came back into play.

And it looked as though Hercus had done enough to clinch the first round, after a hard left hook before the bell.

The second round started off in the same pattern as the first but it was the Bournemouth boxer who pressed forward. Hercus's defence was tight, with not many punches getting through.

But when a hard low got through Hercus looked distressed, bending over holding himself.

The referee gave Carr a caution and Hercus time to recover before proceedings moved on.

But another exchange followed with both boxers on the ropes when another low blow incapacitating Hercus once again. This time the referee had no hesitation in disqualifying Carr, to secure Hercus victory.

The Essex University boxer had progressed to the final after defeating Broad Street's Frankie Howard in the under-81 kilogrammes youth semi-final.

However, it nearly proved disastrous for Hercus when he was caught cold in the first round.

He had to endure an eight count after Howard connected with a hard left right, in the last minute of the round.

Hercus was read the riot act at the end of the round for waiting and not getting his punches off.

And with everything to fight for, the Essex University boxer surged forward and connected with solid left jabs and hard rights in succession, to take the initiative from Howard.

It pushed the Broad Street boxer onto his back foot, allowing Hercus to pick his punches.

Howard had no answer and when the referee gave him a standing eight count, he was in no fit state to continue as Hercus progressed.

Essex University's light heavyweight Dan Azeez (81kg) was on the wrong end of a split decision in his bout against Denis Kauffer.

One judge gave Azeez all three rounds 30-27, while the other two judges both had Kauffer, 30-27.

From the first round, Azeez was accurate and quick often landing punches at will on his strong opponent.

The Essex University boxer won the opening two rounds, while the third round could have gone either way.

But Azeez missed out which was disappointing, as Azeez had opportunities to win.

He has met and beaten many of the top-ten rated boxers in the country and has the power, skill and work ethic to overwhelm and stop many of his opponents, rather than rely on the judges' opinions.

Essex University Masters student Roseanna Allen was defeated in her first Haringey Cup encounter.

She took on Switzerland's J Bauer, whose southpaw stance proved too difficult for Allen to overcome.

Bauer stood taller and moved well around the ring from the opening bell.

Her southpaw jab kept Allen subdued for the whole of the fight, although the Essex University boxer enjoyed occasional success with her right hand to her opponent's head and body.

More sustained pressure could have brought success for Allen throughout the contest.

But Bauer was a well-deserved winner, with Allen taking this experience on the chin in her progression.