Sam is schoolboy boxing champ

David Bateman • Published 30 Jun 2009 14:00

A SPORTY schoolboy is punching above his weight - after winning a national title aged just 13.

Sam Ball swept away the competition at the British Championships.

The Notre Dame pupil, who is trained by coach Danny Lee at the ABC club in Greenock, said: 'I really enjoy boxing. I used to play football but I win so much more at boxing than I did at football so I"m focusing solely on that now.

'My favourite boxers are John Simpson and Floyd Mayweather, and I hope to make a career out of boxing just like they have.'

Sam has been in fantastic form of late, decimating the competition at his 42kg weight class to win the Western district, Scottish and British schoolboy championships.

He trains at the same venue as current Commonwealth Featherweight champion John Simpson, right, and has picked up many good traits from him, including a dedication to his training.

His coach Danny, 48, of Inverkip, said: 'I have to argue with him to stop. He is very dedicated, arrives first and leaves the gym last of his group.

'He"s worked hard to get to where he is. He watches John Simpson train and stays glued to him the whole time.'

Sam, of Prospecthill Court, Greenock, is part of a group of 12 young boxers off to St Catharine"s in Canada on 11 July with the ABC club.

He could also be in line for a trip to Russia to compete in the European Championships, if the Scottish Boxing Association can secure funding. Proud dad Stuart Henderson said: 'He took up boxing at first to get him fit for football, but soon started to enjoy the training and hasn"t looked back since.

'He gets up early every morning to go for a run, and trains every weekday at the ABC.

'We"re just trying to keep him motivated and enjoying what he"s doing, while keeping his feet on the ground.'

Despite his young age, Sam has already received offers of sponsorship, with some local businesses already indicating a willingness to sponsor a future fight. Sam has also been given membership of James Cannon"s gym in Patrick Street.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 30 Jun 09

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