Newark 15-year-old boxer named East Midlands champion in Boxing England National Development Championship and trains at Carl Greaves Gym on Castlegate Newark

A talented and dedicated amateur boxer has been named East Midlands champion and is now aiming for the national title.

At just 15-years-old, Jake Blant, from Newark was competing in the England Boxing National Development Championships — designed for boxers with at least two fights under their belt, but no more than ten.

The Newark boxer beat out his opponent, Artjoms Sergejevs from the Far Cotton club in Northampton, to take the regional title for the East Midlands in his age and weight category.

During the three round fight Jake knocked Artjoms down in the second round for a count of eight, but the fight continued and judges awarded Jake the win by unanimous decision.

On taking the regional title, Jake said: “It was probably the best fun I’ve ever had. I just love doing it.

“I caught him with a sweet back hand which knocked him to his knees and he was given a standing count. After that I was full of confidence.

“My family was there and they were buzzing, they’re really proud and that helps my confidence too.

“I just want to do as best as I can and one day I want to go pro.”

The win means Jake will now be matched up against the Tyne and Wear champion at a fight taking place in Newcastle on October 8 and if victorious will then face another champion from a different region in the quarter-finals of the championships to be held in Liverpool the week after.

Should Jake continue his winning ways he will go on to fight in the semi-finals and finals held at the Cannock Chase Leisure Centre on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday, October 22 for a chance to become National Champion.

Jake only began boxer two years ago, but comes from a family of boxing enthusiasts who have encouraged him every step of the way, taking him to training five times a week and making sure they are ringside for all his fights wherever they are in the country.

Despite his youth, Jake already has a record of 4-0, with his trainers Gary Springett and Roy Brumpton believing his attitude is what has helped him to develop so quickly as an athlete.

“I can’t praise him enough, he’s really applied himself,“ said Gary.

“It’s an absolute pleasure to work with him. He’s got that drive and determination to do well.

“When he first came to me he wasn’t the most natural fighter but he was really committed and always listened.

“He commanded this fight and dominated all three rounds, now Jake is 4-0, all by unanimous decision — in all my years I’ve never had a fighter of his age that was 4-0.

“He can do whatever he wants to dream, if he works hard enough. The sky is the limit.”

Gary has been training boxers in Newark for the past decade and currently has 12 fighters on the cards, coaching them at Garl Greaves gym on Castlegate, Newark