A SON is following in his father’s footsteps after competing in the same boxing competition against the same club twenty years on.

Jonas Railton is the current England Boxing National Schools Champion in the cadet under 36kg category.

The 12-year-old has won 11 of 12 matches since he started competing.

His latest achievement has seen him take the same path as his father, Anthony Railton, who fought for the same title against the famous Repton Amateur Boxing Club in 1999.

Jonas trains at Bishop Auckland Boxing Club, on Murphy Crescent, where Mr Railton is also a coach.

The St John’s school student won in the Tyne Tees and Wear regional final of the England Boxing National School Championships making him the Tyne Tees and Wear Champion.

He then went on to win the quarter finals in Bridlington and the semi finals in Crawley before returning back to the town for the final against William Howard, from Repton Boxing Club.

After three 90-second rounds, Jonas was announced as winner, and national champion.

His father, Anthony Railton, said: “We are all very proud of Jonas and his achievements.

“He first came to the gym when he was seven, and then from about eight I could tell he had something.

"I know he’s my son but I could see that he was talented.

“He had no confidence when he was younger and boxing has completely brought him out of his shell, he is so confident now.”

Jonas trains three times a week in the boxing gym and also takes part in stamina building exercises.

He is known as the “silent assassin” in the boxing community. He said: “I enjoy boxing and I’ve made lots of friends at the club.”

Mr Railton added: “Jonas is a very dedicated boxer and he sacrifices a lot for the sport. He says he doesn’t get nervous before a competition but we do.

“At the final in Crawley we thought he had won, he really was unbelievable. We are very proud.

“We would like to thank all of the coaches at the club for their time and effort.”

For information about the club search Bishop Auckland Boxing Club on Facebook.