A 17-year-old who retained a regional boxing title says he wants to inspire others who may have been bullied at school

Talented Aneek Hushen, from Bolton, won the North West Amateur boxing championships in Manchester after a unanimous decision.

It was a title, at 51kg, he had also won in 2021.

Aneek said he only took up boxing as a hobby at the age of 11 after getting bullied.

He said “Anyone that knows me, knows how hard I worked for this fight with the tireless weeks of training and the personal sacrifices.

“That meant not going out with my friends or family and missing out on celebrations.

“I was training, sometimes times twice a day and sticking to a strict diet.

“It all paid off. It was a great feeling getting my hand raised in victory.”

Aneek thanked his mum, Yasmin Bagas, for her support throughout his boxing career to date.

He said: “My mum puts lot of effort behind me. Day to day healthy eating. My time managements, education and most of all supporting me with my boxing.

“I would also like my thank my ‘support team’ from Blackburn, Bolton, Preston and around the North West for helping to motivate me.”

Aneek followed his North West win by coming through the quarter-final stages of the National Amateur boxing championships.

Coach Phil Robinson said: “Aneek is a very talented young boxer I’ve had the pleasure of coaching for the past four years

“He boxed brilliantly gaining a unanimous decision over a very tough opponent.”

Fellow coach Alex Matvienko said: “Aneek also achieved another unanimous win in the National pre-quarter-finals.

“He can get very far in life if he continues like this.”