OUR LATEST PILGRIMAGE to the sacred fighting Mecca of York Hall on Friday once again demonstrated the depth of young talent we are charged with developing here at Queensberry.

Positive steps forward were taken by all the home talent and some really put a marker down signposting their readiness for significant championship action.

Starting at the top of the bill, David Adeleye extended his unbeaten record with a defense of his WBO European title against Emir Ahmatovic, who he forced into retirement after five rounds.

It actually wasn’t the most emphatic statement from David, despite another speedy stoppage, and our up and coming heavyweight force wasn’t overwhelmed with his own performance. He got in touch with me after watching it back with a message along the lines of ‘room for improvement’.

In my opinion he needs to let his right hand go a bit more frequently because this is the game changer for him and the weapon that will transport him to the top.

Mark Chamberlain had no such hesitation in unleashing his big bombs and is really looking like a lightweight force.

Mark is developing into a really destructive operator, who is clinical and highly effective in pretty much every move he makes. He demolished a confident Marvin Demollari in just over two minutes and, although the referee allowed events to become a bit muddled, Mark was totally ruthless and closed the show in a brutal fashion.

The 24-year-old now just needs to stay on his game and keep working hard with his excellent trainer Wayne Batten. Big fights are firmly on the horizon and Mark will quickly close in on a No.1 spot that will bring him the rewards he deserves.

The third title fight of the night involved Our ‘Enry, the stylish super lightweight southpaw Henry Turner, who simply oozes quality.

Henry, just 22, was matched in a tough encounter against Liverpool’s Tom Farrell in the sort of fight that tells you all you need to know about a bright prospect.

Henry passed a tricky examination with flying colours and once again showed that he is adding strength to his vast reserves of skill. He has now forced four stoppages in his last five and will continue to be stepped up.

I was also highly impressed with the displays of the Fail twins – Carl and Ben – who clearly have a very bright future, along with our clubbing young cruiserweight Tommy Fletcher, who will always be fun to watch.

It was also pleasing to see Royston Barney-Smith get some good rounds under his belt because, for him, it is all about experience at this stage of the game.

THE SPORT OF boxing – and myself in particular – lost a great friend last week following the passing of veteran journalist Alan Hubbard on Thursday after a short illness.

Like me, Alan grew up tuning into the big fights on the wireless, although while I was listening in to all the big Muhammad Ali fights, he was actually there in person, following ‘The Greatest’ around the world in what he considered his career highlight alongside his regular sparring partner and big friend of 55 years, Colin Hart.

In later years, both Alan and Colin were regular and hugely popular contributors to BoxNation and Alan’s words were a weekly feature on the website of Queensberry.

I was delighted that we were able to stage a fitting tribute to Alan ahead of the main event on Friday with the traditional Ten Bells and I know it was something hugely appreciated by his family and friends.

Farewell old friend, you will be missed.