A TALENTED fighter is on the path to success after taking home a top national prize at his first ever competition.

Declan Beckett claimed gold at the Boxing Scotland National Development Championships in an outstanding tournament debut performance.

The youngster hopes his big win in the 43kg novice category can be the first step towards a professional boxing career.

Declan's coach at Greenock Boxing Club, Mick Pattinson, told the Telegraph that the youngster had the determination to go far in the fighting world.

He said: "Declan came here about two years ago and hadn't done any boxing before that.

"Over those two years he's picked up the basics and trained really hard.

"He is so dedicated and trains really hard.

"He's got a terrific work ethic, it's a pleasure to coach him."

Mick says Declan's recent triumph saw his hard work pay off in style.

He said: "He beat a top opponent by unanimous decision and is a credit to the club.

"His fitness really showed in that fight, he boxed very well.

"He did everything right in the final - everything we told him, everything he'd been shown.

"All his build up and training was perfect too, and it's a lot to ask of a young lad.

"With the dedication and work ethic he has he can go far."

Dedicated Declan has even given up playing football to give himself more time to focus on boxing.

He is hoping to compete in the Western District competition early next year and wants his recent win to be the first of many.

He added: "I want to enter as many competitions as I can, I'd love to box professionally one day.

"I was really nervous before the tournament, but when I won that changed and I was buzzing.

"It's an amazing feeling and I'd love the chance to do it again."

Mick says seeing Declan win in spite of the disruption caused during the pandemic was a special moment for the club.

He said: "It's been a tough couple of years, we couldn't get in very often.

"At the start of the pandemic we had to cancel one of our big fundraising shows which was a blow.

"But we're getting back on our feet now."