A junior boxer from Salisbury described as 'a great role model' has been celebrating after winning two titles at a recent boxing event.
Walter Smith Jr, 16 from Salisbury took part in the Bournemouth Best on Saturday, June 29, where he competed against 29 other boxers to take home the 'best boxer of the night title', as well as another title for winning his fight.
Walter Jr is a boxer at Salisbury City Boxing, where he has already been training for 11 years. He started his career in boxing at the age of just five, joining a long line of boxers in his family, like his dad, Walter Smith Sr.
READ MORE: Football club 'delighted' to announce signing of experienced defender
Walter Jr trains at the club five days a week, heading with an entourage and a crowd of more than 70 people to Bournemouth to compete in the competition at the end of June.
Not only did Walter Jr win his own match, but his performance gained him the 'best boxer of the night' award, with friends and family joining in the joyous celebrations following the victories.
Walter in action! (Image: Walter Smith)
The event consisted of 30 boxers and 15 fights, and was held at the Carrington House Hotel in Bournemouth. In his career so far, Walter Jr has won seven of his eight fights to date, with aspirations of one day going professional.
Walter Sr, who is also a boxer and a coach at Salisbury City Boxing, said: "He loves his boxing, and he's seen as a bit of a role model to the other kids at the boxing club, and they look up to him so for him to win this is massive and we are just so happy and proud for him.
SEE ALSO: Pub chain offering free pints for England Euros Semi-Final on one condition
"He started young and is so committed to his craft, so we hope he'll go far. It's not just myself that trains him and I'd love to give a special shoutout to Ray Sparrow and Dennis Callahan. They've both been instrumental in giving Walter this opportunity and Dennis has been there from day one, and has always been so supportive of our boy.
"Safe to say, me and his mother are very proud parents. To get to this stage is not an overnight success, he trains hard, he's dedicated, professional and a great young man. If he wants it, he will have a great career ahead of him and will go far in life."
Walter Jr trains at Salisbury City Boxing, which accepts those looking to hone in their boxing skills, as well as those looking to keep healthy and fit, with the gym 'open to everyone.'
Sessions run on Mondays and Fridays from 7pm, and from 7.30pm on Wednesdays. Junior classes are run by Eddy Mcdickson and are also available to those aged seven and above, and run on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm, and 7pm to 8pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here