St Ives star Shona Whitwell is celebrating the most satisfying success of her career.

That is how the terrific 18 year-old talent described her latest England Youth Championships triumph last weekend.

The St Ives Boxing Academy ace, 17, reigned supreme in the 60kg category after beating three of her England international team-mates to lift the crown.

Speaking after securing her fifth national crown, Whitwell said: “It is a great feeling to win after having really tough fights against other England internationals.

“I’m delighted all the hard work and training has paid off by winning my last championship as a youth.”

Whitwell, who will move into the senior ranks next year, began her quest for glory at Magna in Rotherham with an emphatic points success against Sian Judd of Uxbridge ABC.

She followed that up with a revenge victory over Bria Fielding, the Larches and Savick boxer who had beaten her at championship level last year.

Back-to-back unanimous decisions ensured Whitwell went into a final showdown against reigning champion and big rival Ellie Scotney of Lynn ABC in confident mood.

Whitwell pipped Scotney to selection for the World Championships last year which ensured their first-ever meeting in the ring would be fiercely contested.

It did not disappoint as they served up a terrific bout with the judges eventually giving a split decision in Whitwell’s favour.

Her father and coach, Steve Whitwell, said: “It was the most important victory of Shona’s career so far.

“To reclaim her England number one spot against such good opposition highlights her development during the last year.

“She has worked so hard to get back to this position and after losing her England place two years ago, she is now one of the top girls in the world.”

Whitwell will now represent her country in the Three Nations tournament where a good performance should secure selection for the European Championships later in the year.