National title for boxer who lost first five fights

Richard Myers (right) said "nothing fazes" his boxer son Jakson

A teenage boxer has won a national title after losing his first five fights and also suffering a spinal fracture.

Jakson Myers, from Milton Heights, Oxfordshire, could have quit the sport, his coach Kieran Davis said.

However, the 16-year-old overcame both setbacks to become English junior champion at the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs finals.

His father Richard Myers said: "Nothing fazes him. He's just got this attitude of 'OK, I've lost. I'll win next time'."

Mr Myers said his son responded to the early career defeats by spending three hours a night in the gym and running 10 miles a week.

He added: "He's never given up... He's just got this steely determination.

"He still went to the gym every day with a broken back."

Jakson's coach Kieran Davis, from Didcot Boxing Academy, said the teenager originally joined the club five years ago to get fit.

Mr Davis said: "The first five fights he lost. We sat down and we discussed about knocking it on the head.

"His confidence was rock bottom. He just thought he wasn't good enough."

The teenager persevered and won his sixth fight to become a home counties champion, before later going on a streak of 18 wins.

However, earlier in 2025, Jakson suffered a punch which led to the diagnosis of a pars stress fracture - a lower back injury.

After seven months out, a physio said the teenager should never box again, the coach recalled.

"I made the decision. I just knew that he'd be OK because he's so skilful," Mr Davis said. "I could see he was looking good, looking sharp."

"He is the most humble kid - first in the gym and the last one to leave."

The teenager is now setting his sights on the 2028 Olympics.

His father said his son was taking the national 66kg (10.4 stone) title in his stride.

"I'm really proud," Mr Myers said. "I was jumping up and down.

"He's just an amazing kid. Placid, quiet, laid-back."