RADSTOCK Amateur Boxing Club’s Shayne Smith won the Under 46kgs Champion Belt in the Midlands Box Cup in Birmingham after beating another talented boxer from Droitwich ABC, Leo Jones.

In the end it all came down to who had the better boxing skills. Staying composed throughout, balanced and picking his shots really well, Shayne gained a 3-2 split decision between two well matched boxers.

“Shayne is showing great maturity for a lad of his relatively short experience,” said delighted head coach Sean Jenkins afterwards. “This was only his 14th bout yet when you watch him he looks like a lad of 20-plus bouts.

“Leo started to get a bit wild with his punches and therefore tried to drag Shayne into a fight which was great for us because Shayne just picked him off with his counter-punches. The end result meant that the judges appreciated the smarter skills of Shayne in what was a close bout and worthy of a final.

“Our lad Shayne is rewriting the history of Norton Radstock Amateur Boxing Club all by himself. I’ve had Western Counties champions and county representatives over the years but Shayne is by far the most talented kid I’ve had.”

Shayne will now move onto his next Box Cup competition, The Heart of a Dragon in mid July so after a little rest his preparations will begin.

Shayne is now in need of big sponsor to progress in the sport. “If any local businesses out there would like to be involved in Shayne’s journey please drop a message or call me 07727 041615,” added Sean.

“As with all involvement in junior sport, travelling becomes a bit expense. At the moment parents are paying for everything for their boxer; medical expenses, registration to England Boxing, training fees, petrol, overnight accommodation (with food) sometimes two nights, depending on the competition, plus his kit.”