HALSTEAD Amateur Boxing Club junior light heavyweight Joe Bonito was narrowly beaten after a thrilling fight against Michael Adams, of March ABC.

The pair went head-to-head on the Chalvedon ABC open show, held at Bowers and Pitsea Football Club.

Adams used his superior height and reach to good effect in the first round, carving out an early lead.

Undeterred, Bonito raised his game in the second and started launching solid left jabs and big right hands that soon found the target.

Adams was forced on to his back foot throughout.

The final round saw both boxers coming forward with more determination.

Both traded punches and picked up points in an excellent bout, showing an impressive display of skills as they tried to stamp their authority.

Bonito went all out in the final minute, but Adams kept out of trouble enough to take the points decision.

Coaches Richard Groves and George Cook were in the corner for the Halstead boxer.