A DETERMINED teen has won a prestigious army boxing event – 12 months after first picking up a pair of gloves.

Callum Evans first joined Barrow Amateur Boxing Club over a year ago to help give him some focus and determination through his GCSE exams.

However, the now 17-year-old found a real love for the sport – and soon represented the club.

Jeff Moses, head coach at Barrow Amateur Boxing Club, said: “Callum came to me 12 months ago. He was doing his exams and his mum wanted to make sure he was sticking to his exams and staying focussed so she brought him down to the club to get him fit through boxing.”

Callum soon decided he wanted to enlist in the army and Jeff helped improve the Barrow teen’s physical fitness to pass the gruelling entry tests.

Jeff said: “I helped Callum get through the physical tests you need to get into the army. We knew what they’d be looking for.

“We helped get him in an army-ready condition to make him stand out in his fitness.

“We’ve helped teens in the past with their standard training and fitness to get into the army.”

Soon the hard work paid off, with Callum coming top of his class in army fitness.

And his achievements didn’t stop there, with the new recruit going on to box at the intercompany boxing finals to represent the Army Foundation College Harrogate, which he won.

“He’s really improved on these skills he learnt at the boxing club,” Jeff said.

“We’re really proud of him here.

“For him to go on and win a championship is fantastic.

“It’s a really proud moment for me. When young lads and lasses come through the door, we give them the guidance and watch them go from strength to strength.

“His family is really grateful for helping him.

“It really shows the benefits of boxing – it’s not just hitting each other in a ring, it takes real skill and discipline.”

Various slots are available through the week for youths or adults to try out boxing at Barrow Amateur Boxing Club.