A YOUNG boxer has been rewarded for a hat trick of achievements.

David Watson, 17, who sparred with Olympic silver medallist Ahmir Khan a few months ago, holds both the national schools title and the Junior ABA Championship and won a gold medal for England in the Four Nations Boxing Championships.

With 44 wins in 50 competitive bouts, the Shildon Boxing Club member is hopeful of being as successful as Khan.

He said: "It was a fantastic experience to train with such a disciplined and dedicated sportsman. I can only hope that one day I will follow in his footsteps at the next Olympic Games in Beijing 2008."

Councillor John Robinson, cabinet member for leisure, presented David with an award at a ceremony organised by Sedgefield Borough Council Leisure Services Department at Sunnydale Leisure Centre, in Shildon.

His coach Stephen Graham said: "David has the potential to compete at the very highest levels of boxing.