William Webber

A YOUNG boxer with his eye on Rio 2016 has stamped his credentials after winning a national title.

William Webber in his fight

William Webber won a comprehensive bout against Harris Akbar from Bradford Police to seal the Amateur Boxing Association England schoolboys title in Liverpool earlier this month.

His opponent hadn’t been beaten in 22 bouts but Webber was dominant, winning with a 4-1 majority.

The 14-year-old – who won preliminary, quarter and semi-finals to make the final – will now attend GB training in Sheffield next month and collect his England vest and Golden Gloves. He will then bid for the British title in the summer in a tri-nation competition against Scotland and Wales and, if successful there, will go on to represent the British side in the European competition in September.

“William has already beaten the Irish and Scottish champions, and the Holland champion. Hopefully he can earn a permanent position in the England team and force a place in the GB squad,” said his father, Paul.

“He is targeting Rio or the Commonwealth Games 2018 in Queensland, Australia as an amateur. He then wants to turn professional. It is a long way to go but he is doing well.”

Webber made the semi-finals last season but his showing in the national competition – in Class 3, 75kg section – this year was impressive.

Webber only took up boxing two-and-a-half years ago but his progress has been impressive. The Helena Romanes School pupil’s stats now stack up at 18 wins from 20 bouts, including 12 stoppages.

The teenager, who is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Dunmow, trains up to nine times a week, mixing his regime with sessions at Hoddesdon Boxing Academy under the eye of coach Kevin Bailey, and sessions at home with his dad.

“He is really dedicated,” said Webber Snr. “Boxing is something he wanted to do from about the age of nine. He lives and breathes it and has his family fully behind him.

“I was a good swimmer but never made a [national] final – so we’re really chuffed he has gone one step further.”