A PROMISING young fighter has shown his mettle after winning a North-East Thai boxing title.

Josh Shaw has been named the UKMF North-East junior champion in the 32kg to 34kg category after beating an opponent from The Faktory, in Newcastle, at a fight this weekend.

The 12-year-old took up the sport three years ago and travels to Darlington from his home in Bowburn, County Durham, four times a week to train at Darlington Boxing and Martial Arts Academy.

Owner of the academy, Paul Hamilton, said the youngster is a promising young fighter who will be one to watch in the future.

“He did really well - he is a good little talent and will now fight in Poland in September for the UK team," he said.

“He keeps his feet on the ground and is a nice little kid. He is full of life and has a good attitude.

“He is tiny for his age and all the other kids look up to him.

“We have got some really good kids here but he is one that really stands out."

He added: “He is full of it, but knows to put it all into the ring and his parents back him 100 per cent.”