ELTHAM boxer Akash Bhatia has to brush himself down and start again after losing 8-6 in the National ABA Final against Steve Smith.

Bhatia's coach Steve Barratt said: "Akash started a little rough and ready and he only settled down in the third round but the damage had been done by then.

"There has to be a winner and a loser and Steve Smith deserves all the credit.

"Special thanks should go to Wayne McGuire of Eltham and District Boxing Club and also congratulations to Harry Sewell and Luke Newman who have reached the semi-finals of the National Golden Belt competition."