BRAVE Luke Anderson knocked down his talented opponent but was edged out in his bid for national glory.

The 18-year-old Western Counties champion took on Liverpudlian puncher Alex Pattison in the class C final of the National Association of Boys' and Girls' Clubs Boxing Championship.

Pattison came into the bout at Victoria Warehouse in Manchester with an impressive CV but that did not discourage Anderson, who took the fight to his opponent.

The Arena Boxing Club ace put together impressive combinations and counters, culminating in him catching Pattison square and knocking him to the canvas.

The referee began to administer the mandatory eight count but the Gemini boxer regained his composure to see the bell.

In the second round, Anderson imposed himself again but was unexpectedly clipped for a standing count, which he shrugged off.

After Anderson received another glancing blow and touched down, the bout was called off seconds before the end of the round, much to the Dorset boxer’s insistence he was fit and ready to continue.

It was a cruel end to the title bid of the teenager, who had hoped to take matters to a decisive third round.

Pattison, who won gold for England at the GB Junior Three Nations two years ago, is a two-time winner of the Monkstown International Box Cup.