Rhys McCole also has autism, learning difficulties and asthma but showed incredible fighting spirit to triumph at the Western District Championships.

The 14-year-old, who is registered disabled, took on fierce competition to win gold in the 42kg 2001 schoolboys category in Glasgow earlier this month to realise one of his dreams.

The Notre Dame High pupil has been boxing since the age of 10 and has thrived in a sport which does not separate able-bodied fighters and those who suffer ill-health.

This has allowed Rhys to compete on an equal footing for the first time and the talented teen is as proud as punch.

He also bounced back from defeat in his first fight to win a medal in just his second outing.

Rhys told the Tele: “It was amazing to win, especially after getting beaten in my first fight and not knowing what it’s like to win.

“Now to be Western District champion is brilliant.” The youngster trains at Greenock Amateur Boxing Club — run by respected coach Danny Lee — and is the latest in a long line of championship-winning fighters from the Bawhirley Road gym.

But Rhys’ achievements are even more remarkable given his health battles.

His full-time carer James Houten said: “Rhys has had a long, hard journey, but I couldn’t be more proud of his dedication, and his medal win is a fantastic tribute to that.

“From an early age, Rhys would pass the boxing club at the top of the street almost every day on his way to nursery and school, and partly because of the heightened senses that can come with autism, he was fascinated by the sounds coming out of the place.

“He would ask what was going on inside, but as there was no way to see, we eventually took him in at eight years old.

“Rhys asked if he could join, and they told him he would have to wait two years.

“He was desperate to start but waited for his chance.

“We discovered he had a natural talent for it.

“The routine and structure of the sport was perfect for helping his autism.

“The cardiologist at Yorkhill also advised that his heart would grow stronger and gave him the all clear.

“Rhys used to be in and out of hospital all the time, but that’s all changed now.

“What’s really overwhelmed me though has been the huge support and encouragement that the other boxers and Boxing Scotland have given him.

“It’s completely changed his life.” The youngster, who lives in the Strone area of Greenock, trains five nights a week and the sport has also had a positive knock-on effect on his personal life and at school, teaching him about discipline and boosting his confidence, fitness and focus to succeed.

After tasting success for the first time, Rhys is now looking to build on that.

He said: “I enjoy training and it helps quite a lot with my breathing and asthma.

“Boxing is a good thing to do and it keeps me busy.

“My target is just to do my best in every fight and see how I get on.

“It feels really good to be treated like everybody else — you get trained the same as everyone and they don’t look at me in a different way.” Rhys’ efforts have also earned him plaudits from governing body Boxing Scotland.

Richard Thomas, left inset, the organisation’s chairman, said: “We have been keenly monitoring Rhys’ progress and have been delighted to witness the huge strides he has made, helped by the strong backing of his fellow boxers and his careful coaching in a safe, supportive environment.

“We are sure he will continue to have further successes while being able to enjoy the many benefits of the enhanced fitness and discipline that the sport is giving him.

“The innate structure of boxing has allowed Rhys to overcome significant barriers, opening up a world of possibilities to him, and it’s been exciting to see.

“Praise must also go to all at the Greenock Boxing Club for providing Rhys with the necessary support to progress his boxing career.

“Head coach Danny Lee has done a fantastic job in nurturing Rhys.” Autism affects around one in every 100 people and Rhys’ story has caught the eye of bosses from a leading charity who have hailed him an ‘inspiration’.

Charlene Tait, development director at Scottish Autism, said: “Rhys’ achievements are inspiring.

“Of course autism presents uniquely in every individual — while some will require intensive lifelong support, many others like Rhys can and do thrive and excel in all areas of life.

“Rhys’s progress highlights how important it is for us all to continue to work towards removing the barriers that people with autism face when accessing everyday opportunities.

“That way people will have the opportunity to explore their talents and enjoy a quality of life that many of us take for granted.”