Comment

Boxing: Liam Wilkins has gone from zero to hero by winning two boxing awards and meeting his idol Ricky Hatton.

The 13-year-old from Small Street in Chirton only took up boxing in a bid to lose weight three years ago and shed two and a half stone in the first six months.

But his career has gone from strength to strength, as he won boxer of the year and boxers' boxer of the year at Salisbury Boxing Club on Sunday.

It completed a whirlwind two weeks for the Devizes School pupil after he had met Hatton and Frank Bruno at a question and answer session in Bournemouth, which was arranged through his boxing club.

"It's been a good two weeks for me really, the best couple of weeks of my life," said Liam.

"I have never won big awards like these before and it shows people do like me.

"I was quite nervous when I met Ricky, when I shook his hand I was shaking."

Liam has now set his sights on his first competition, the U10 Western Championship in November.

He is eligible because he has fought fewer than ten bouts, winning five of his six fights so far.

"I am having a bit of a break at the moment because it is pre-season but I have got my first championship in November," said Liam, who fights between 51kgs and 53kgs.

Proud dad Paul, who also saw youngest son Ashley, ten, receive a merit award on Sunday, is delighted with Liam's progress.

He said: "The club said Liam deserved everything he has taken this year because they felt there was something a little bit special about his boxing."

10:05am Thursday 24th July 2008

Print

Email this

Comment