ESSEX University Boxing Club's heavyweight Dan Azeez's quest for Haringey Box Cup gold was ended at the semi-final stage at Alexandra Palace.

The light heavyweight was beaten by Harwich Boxing Club's Pat Allen-Cripps, to miss out on a place in the final.

Azeez soundly defeated Switzerland's Alex Mazzara in the quarter-final stage with a comprehensive boxing display.

It meant the Essex University boxer stepped into the ring for his semi-final on the Saturday full of confidence.

Using a solid left jab that was accurate and rounded off with heavy right hands through the middle to Allen-Cripps mid section, it looked like a convincing win for Azeez.

Despite the last round being more competitive, Azeez looked like he had done more than enough to take the decision at the final bell.

However, much to his disappointment, Azeez lost out after Allen-Cripps was awarded victory on a split verdict.

Essex University's Charlie Shave entered the Box Cup for the first time, as he competed in the youth section for boxers aged 17 and 18 years old.

He went straight into the semi-final on the Saturday when he came up against Heart of Portsmouth's Bobby Fowler.

Both boxers were exhausted at the final bell and although Shave showed superior fitness, he was just unable to muster enough punches and power in combinations to give Fowler a count and perhaps take the verdict.

As a result, Shave lost out in a very hard-fought bout, which was a tough way for him to finish the year.