Youngster Mark Smith is March Boxing Club’s new golden boy.
The local punching talent was crowned national champion at the England Boxing Schools Championships in Manchester last weekend.
Smith, 12, triumphed in the under 31kg A class, outclassing opponent Billy Jenkins of Sunderland-based club North Star ABC on his way to a unanimous points victory.
Mark’s stablemates and cousins, Tarley and Acer Smith, also performed well, reaching the semi-finals and quarter-finals respectively.
The Schools Championships provide the first experience of major national competition for boxers aged between 12 and 14.
Fighters box their way through regional rounds to reach the finals and winners are rewarded with a pair of England Boxing’s famous golden gloves and, for some, there is an opportunity to represent England.
For more information on March Boxing School, which is based on Century Way, call 07984 658005.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here