A DETERMINED young Greenock boxer has his sights set on Commonwealth and Olympic glory after scooping a prestigious title.
Romell Marks, 15, was crowned the 70kg Scottish junior champion after a tough bout at the Ravenscraig sports facility in Motherwell last week.
The tenacious teenager, who lives in Mitchell Row in Greenock, has been a member of Greenock Boxing Club since he was seven.
He was awarded the Scottish championship win after a unanimous decision by the judges - and now he has set his sights on international honours.
Romell said: "It was a hard fight but it was a unanimous decision from the judges, so I'm really pleased.
"I'm a consistent fighter and I think I can adapt well to different opponents.
"I really want to fight as part of the Scotland and Great Britain squads and would love to go on and compete at the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics."
Romell has risen through the rankings with help from coaches Danny Lee and current Scotland team member, Robbie McKechnie.
He started out in Scottish novice circles and moved onto intermediate grade before being crowned Scottish junior champion at his weight.
The young fighter has also claimed the west and district Scottish championship three times.
Busy Notre Dame High School pupil Romell trains Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Greenock Boxing Club and also plays football with St Andrew's Boys' Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Romell said: "I was quite shy when I was younger and never thought boxing would be something I got into.
"My uncle Zane was a boxer and he got me interested in it and I've kept it going.
"I've fallen in love with the sport and love the competitive side of it.
"Boxing is definitely my sport but I play football to keep me fit and keep me busy.
"They feed into each other - the cardio from the football definitely helps my boxing."
Romell's mum Nicola said: "I couldn't be more proud of him.
"It surprised me that he got into boxing as he's always been a really quiet boy.
"He's so good at it and I'm really proud of what he's achieved."
Coach Danny told the Tele: "Romell has done really well - there's a lot of potential there.
"Hopefully we'll see him in national teams in the future.
"We have a lot of great young fighters with us just now and we're really busy.
"It's important for them to be out getting experience of fighting people from different countries and being part of an elite team."
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