Teenage boxer 'proud' after winning European title

Tommy Ward, 14, won the under-70kg category in the European Boxing Under-15s Championships

A teenage boxer has said his victory in the European championships was the greatest experience of his life.

Tommy Ward came out on top in the under-70kg category of the European Boxing Under-15s Championships in Budva, Montenegro.

The 14-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, who has been training and fighting since he was aged 10, said he was happy to have "come so far and achieved this much".

"At first I couldn't believe it; I was holding back tears. It was the greatest experience of my life and just amazing," he told BBC Radio Stoke.

Tommy is coached by his father, also called Tommy, and trains at Gold Gloves Boxing Club in Stoke-on-Trent.

The teenage champion said he had always wanted to follow in the footsteps of his dad and other family members who have taken up the sport.

"I always wanted to do it, from when I first stepped foot in a gym," he said. "I'm just so proud that I've come this far."

'Keep winning'

Mr Ward, who watched as his son fought to victory against Georgia's Gigi Archaia, said it was an "amazing experience" on 25 October.

"I always thought he could do it," he said. "I always had faith in him. He boxed some really good boys out there as well."

Tommy, who counts Tyson Fury as being among his boxing idols, said he was now looking ahead to the world championships due to take place in Manchester later in November.

He added: "I'm going to keep going to tournaments and keep winning. Hopefully when I'm older, I can make it as a professional."