A SCHOOLBOY is hoping to follow in the footsteps of his boxing idols after fighting his way to the title of champ.

Jack Howes, 14, from Byron Square in Great Harwood, has only been boxing for three years and is already proving he packs a punch.

The Norden High School pupil recently competed in the quarter finals of the Amateur Boxing Association Championship (North West) in Gorton, Manchester, and came away with the gold medal.

He said: “It’s something I have always wanted to do. My brother Billy, 13, was the North West champion last year.

“I have faught before, but this was my first competition. I’m used to having bruises and sore, aching arms now.

“My trainers said I was ready, and told to to just go out there and win.

“We were quite evenly matched and I got a few good punches in. I knew it was close but I just did my best “I got through to the finals for the competition, which are this weekend, and I’m feeling confident.”

The youngster, who trains three times a week at Clayton Amateur Boxing Club (ABC), competed in the 38-40kg category, against 15 other fighters hoping to take home the gold.

Jack will now compete in the national semi-finals on Sunday 17 February in Yorkshire and hopes to win a place in the national championships.

His favourite fighter is Roy Jones, and he said he loves to watch boxing on television and on the internet.