A TEENAGER will fly the flag for his country at the "Thai boxing equivalent of the Olympics" after being selected for Team GB.

Josh Shaw will represent his Trimdon Grange-based club as well as the nation when he heads to the International Federation of Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) World Championships in Bangkok, in Thailand, this summer.

It is the fourth consecutive year the 16-year-old, of Bowburn, near Durham, has qualified for the team and he is more determined than ever to bring a medal home.

Steve Wright, head coach of Erawan Thai Boxing, said: "He's the only junior fighter from the North-East to be selected into Team GB.

"IFMA is basically the world's most prestigious Thai boxing championships and there is nothing bigger and better.

"He is among the cream of the competition in England. He hasn't had the results he wanted previously and didn't pick up a medal last year.

"But he has developed so much as a fighter over the last year or two.

"He's been in the ring with some amazing people this year and is fighting really well, so it's looking good."

The Sedgefield Community College pupil earned his place in the team at a qualifying competition in Leeds earlier this year.

He won three fights in one day and it was only a matter of time before the GB coach was on the phone to his club to invite Josh to the contest, to be held across the first two weeks of August.

Now Mr Wright is looking to increase the youngster's busy training schedule which already sees him in the gym six days a week.

"He always puts 100 per cent effort in, is very strong and very fast," added his coach. "He's always in the gym and that's what sets him apart."

Josh has been boxing since he was five and has trained at various clubs, including the Trimdon Grange academy where he has spent the last three years.

His fight record to date includes 26 wins, five losses and one draw, while he has been the United Kingdom Muaythai Federation ((UKMF) northern area champion and national contest Sandee UK Junior Champion 2017.

He is currently UKMF gold-medal winner for 2018 having secured the same medal the previous year.

Mr Wright and a committee at the club have formed to help raise around £2,000 to make up the shortfall to get the teenager to the competition.

Anyone who would like to support the initiative can email erawanthaiboxing@gmail.com or visit erawanthaiboxing.co.uk