A BATTLING young boxer from Greenock was literally punching above his weight as he won at the schoolboy Golden Gloves Championships.

Mason Scobie, who attends Aileymill Primary, is only 10 but he triumphed against an opponent who was a few kilos heavier than him.

His proud dad Peter reckons that talented Mason could be one of the youngest boys ever to win, as he had only just celebrated his landmark birthday.

Greenock Telegraph:

Mason, who trains at Greenock Boxing Club, said: "It was really good to win the golden gloves. I really enjoy boxing."

Peter, 39, of Eldon Street, says he is proud of his son's achievement.

He told the Tele: "He had to step up a weight and he'd only just qualified. There was no-one in his weight category of 38.5kg so he took on a boy in the 42kg category who had won the Western District Championships a few weeks before.

"Mason likes the training side of boxing, he's very dedicated and enjoys being active. His older brother Logan also boxed as well."

Greenock Telegraph:

Peter and Mason's mum Marnie are delighted for Mason and all the family were there to cheer him on at Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility in Motherwell.

His coach Danny Lee, who thanked the Burke family for their support of the club, said: "The older boys in this tournament go on to compete in the British Championships.

"Mason has been doing really well, he trains hard and listens, and that is the key.

He's been boxing in our six to nine age group class with Alan Docherty and has started his competitive boxing class with David Latham.

"He spends three nights a week training and also running outside, we work together a team."

Coach Alan said: "Mason deserves everything he has achieved because he works hard. I saw his potential."