Leyton boxer Roman Haidari claimed a silver medal at the Tri-nations boxing championships despite facing opponents in higher weight divisions.

Haidari represented England at the event, held at Glamorgan University, but with no competition from Wales and Scotland at his weight class he moved up to the under 60kg division.

In Friday’s semi-final, Haidari was at a weight and size disadvantage against Welsh and host country champion Kyle Mayes.

However, the London boxer started with blinding speed counters and his onslaught continued with the referee having no choice but to stop the contest in under a minute.

It was the fastest victory of the tournament making Haidari an instant fan favourite. A nervous 24 hours later Haidari was back in the ring taking on the more experienced Jonlee Joyce of Scotland. This time the fight was far more tactical but Haidari ended stronger.

It was not enough for him to take overall victory and he had to settle for silver.

Speaking after the final, Haidari said: “He was an awkward and very experienced fighter, I will learn from this and come back stronger. I promise I will win gold next year.

“It was a new experience fighting at a higher weight and not living at home for a few days. But I wanted to represent England so it was an easy choice to make.”

Haidari is now hoping to represent England in the 57kg category in the upcoming schoolboy European championships held in Russia.