BURNLEY boxing coach Brian Roche has hailed rising star Dean Thompson after his narrow points defeat in the final of the Junior Boxing Tri-Nations tournament.

The 16-year-old Roche Boxing Club prospect was edged out by young Welsh dragon Keith Shepherd at Warrington’s Orford Leisure Hub.

“The boy he was fighting was a really classy boxer, and to take him right to the wire was a fantastic effort by Dean,” said Roche.

“Dean’s a real terrier with a big heart and after the bout the England coach said he was most impressed with Dean’s performance, singling him out as one to watch in the future.”

England junior Thompson, from Colne, had shocked Scottish champion Thomas Campbell 24 hours earlier and Roche added that his young boxer has made huge strides this year.

“We’ve had him here since he was 11, but in the last few months we’ve seen develop into a superb fighter and he can only get better and better with the more experience he gets,” added his trainer.

“Dean is a very quiet, unassuming young man, but when he gets inside a boxing ring he is so hungry to win.

“When he fought Campbell he won every round, and produced a magnificent performance against Shepherd.

“I think he’s had some unlucky decisions recently, but the important thing is that he has got the taste for it and is showing that he can compete and beat some of the best young boxers in the country.”

Roche, who has successfully groomed a string of local boxing champions, added: “Dean is our fourth international boxer from the club in six years and I’m really proud of that record.

“There’s some real talent down here, some cracking kids, and I’m looking forward to seeing them develop their boxing talent.”