A 17-year-old boy from Carshalton has won his first amateur bout.

James Gardiner beat Sam O’Brien from Battlebridge Amateur boxing club earlier this month.

James, who trains at Fight Knights Boxing gym, Green Lane, kept his opponent away using his long arms and by executing clean straight shots.

The fight on Friday, March 9, took place at Battlebridge Abc annual dinner party, held at the Crowne Plaza Felbridge hotel, East Grinstead.

When asked about his initial emotion after the victory, James, who fought at 71kg said: “The more I fight, the more I enjoy it. I want to box every day.”

James, who attended Carshalton Boys Sports College, Winchcombe Road, began boxing last year. He works at his brother’s jewellers in Sutton and trains six days a week. He dedicates four days to training at the boxing gym and works on his fitness for the other two days.

James’ second amateur bout will be on Saturday, March 31, where he will be boxing at Guildford City Boxing Club against an opponent who has had 7 amateur fights.