BRIAN Roche says it is all about quality over quantity after the success of his slimmed down boxing stable.

The Bacup-born trainer has had a season to remember so far with his nine fighters winning 38 of 41 bouts between them.

And the 56-year-old believes his current bunch of fighters are as good as any who have come up through the ranks at the Burnley club - including former junior ABA champions Jack Steff and George Drinkwater.

Roche Boxing Club now only has nine young fighters on the books and that is exactly the way the club founder wants it.

“I have got a smashing bunch of lads here, probably as good as any I have worked with,” said Roche who fought for British and Commonwealth lightweight titles in the late 1980s and early 90s. “When you look at the results they have achieved it just goes to show that.

“It is a case of quality over quantity these days.”

Roche’s fighters have been busy in recent weeks competing in shows in Walkden and Carlisle.

On the Walkden bout, Lyon Zaman, 14, suffered a rare defeat when he lost on a split decision to Amir Ashad from the Bolton Champions gym.

But Zurain Shanquat, 16, beat Abbas Batarat on points while Mustapha Tahseen, also 16, stopped Leon Entwistle in the first round.

At the Shepherd’s Inn in Carlise, Zaman returned to winning ways when he got the judges decision against Ambleside and Windermere fighter Joe Wilson.

Tim Murphy, 15, from Rossendale was also in winning form, defeating Dylan Askins from Penrith Elite on points.

And it was also a points victory for 16-year-old Eesah Malik over another Penrith fighter, Sam Telford.

Despite the talented crop of fighters at the club, Roche says he will not be rushing them in to the ABA championships.

“Both Jack Steff and George Drinkwater won ABA titles and these fighters could emulate them,” added Roche.

“But I am not going to rush them - that is something we can work towards next year.”