JACK Steff is Britain's number one in the amateur light welterweight division after defeating senior ABA champion Michael Watson.

Having recently clinched his third junior ABA title, the 18-year-old from Rawtenstall climbed in to the ring with the experienced fighter from Newcastle and turned in his best ever display.

“Jack was just awe-some,” said coach Brian Roche. “Michael is a tough opponent with lots of experience but Jack proved he is now number one in the country.

“At this rate, he is number one choice for the London Olympics and he deserves it.”

The former Haslingden High School pupil, who fights out of Roche’s Gym in Burnley, got the judges decision after the three round contest at the Sheffield Institute of Sport.

Now he is aiming to make it a hat-trick of victories when he pulls on an England vest for the first time at the Tri Nations Championships in Cardiff next month.