North Wales boxer Harri Watkin wins silver at top European tournament

North Wales boxer Harri Watkin won a silver medal last weekend at an elite tournament in Denmark.

The 22-year-old from Bala produced a couple of outstanding performances at the HSK Box Cup event at the Royal Stage Arena in Hillerød which featured around 600 boxers from all over the continent.

Boxing in the 70-75 kg division (middleweight), Harri defeated Dane Malthe Messerschmidt in his semi-final with a tremendous display.

In the final the following day, the Welshman came up against another Denmark boxer in Jonas Frederiksen, who was some 5 kilos heavier, and the Bala man lost narrowly on a split decision.

Nonetheless, to return home with a silver medal from such a top European amateur competition was a great achievement.

Harri, whose record is now eight wins from 13 bouts, was the 2024 Welsh Novice Champion.

His father, Dei Watkin Jones, was extremely proud of his son’s latest accomplishment.

He said: “I’m very proud of his achievements, even more so as he broke his hand at the end of the second round of the final, but adrenaline kept him going. Hopefully, he’ll only be out for around 6 to 8 weeks and will build up towards the Welsh Championships next April now.”

Harri commented on social media: “Back home after a great weekend of boxing! Managed to get the win in the semi-final and gave it my all in the final to lose on a split decision.

“Plenty learned and loads to take forward, proud of the performance and the experience.

“Big thank you to all my sponsors for the continued support Palé Hall Hotel, WILLIAMS HOMES (BALA) LIMITED, Rhos y Gwaliau Outdoor Education Centre, Aykroyds , and of course Llyr Edwards for keeping me fuelled with all the honey.

“Also a massive thank you to all the coaches at Denbigh and District Amateur Boxing Club for the time, effort and support — couldn’t do it without you

“Also to Llandudno Amateur Boxing Club for letting us join them.”