A TEENAGER who took up boxing to lose weight and after being bullied at school has won a national title – just four years after taking up the sport.

Catherine Pringle won the title in her weight category at the recent National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (NABCC) National Boxing Championships.

The 17-year-old took the title on a split decision after the fight in Bridlington.

Catherine, who lives in Northallerton, only started boxing in 2012 and that was initially just to get fit.

She said: “I was bullied at school and felt I was overweight, so having seem my brother Peter getting fit boxing I thought I would give it a go.

“At the time, I had no intention of fighting competitively, but I got the bug and had my first fight just a year after first putting on my boxing gloves.

“I really enjoy it and it has made a massive difference to my self-confidence.

“Winning the national championship was amazing. I thought I had done enough to win but when my arm was raised I was still shocked. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Catherine’s coach, Adrian Coe, said: “Catherine has had some setbacks with decisions wrongly going against her but she has never given up and this title is testament to her hard work and dedication.”

Catherine trains at the Northallerton Amateur Boxing Club, which was set up with financial support from Broadacres Housing Association. Broadacres also sponsor Catherine, whose family live in one of the Association’s properties.

Lee Godrey, Broadacres’ Tenancy Relations Co-ordinator, said: “The boxing club was set up to give young people something meaningful to do and to take them off the streets where they may have become engaged in anti-social behaviour.

“It has been a real success story and we are absolutely delighted with Catherine’s success.”

Catherine is allowing herself a short break over Christmas but will be back in training in January, ready for the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) Championships. She is also currently studying sports and exercise science at college and plans to go to university to study to become a sports therapist.

She added: “I don’t think I will box professionally when I turn 18 as you no longer wear head-guards and believe it or not, I don’t like bring hit!”