MICK Mason has proved that when it comes to boxing he's a chip off the old block.

The 20-year-old amateur fighter from Craghead, near Stanley, recently beat a national champion in only his 10th contest.

It's the kind of form and promise that saw his father, also Mick, have 17 professional fights and eventually open his own boxing club in Craghead.

Mick Jnr beat Nicky Bonitti, a Four Nations silver medalist and national champion at senior level, at Stanley Central Club last week.

His proud father said his son, a flyweight, was starting to show his potential.

"To beat someone of Nicky Bonitti's class in only his tenth competitive fight is a real feat," said Mr Mason.

"He's been quite a late developer. Because he was so small we couldn't find many people his size to fight. But now he's found his weight I think he can look forward to moving up the ranks."

Mick is now gearing up for two more bouts against local boxers in Italy.