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Teenage boxer Jake Killip has today added Junior National Development Champion to his string of titles.
The 15-year-old from Ashley, near Studdal, competed at the Magna Science Arena in Rotherham earlier this afternoon, winning all three rounds on a unanimous points decision against his opponent Lee Rooney from Sunderland.
He is already the 2015 Southern Counties Champion and Kent Champion 2014/2015.
Speaking to KentOnline after the fight, Jake said: “I’m a little bit tired but mainly buzzing.
“It was quite a technical fight. I just stuck to my boxing. I figured him out and he couldn’t keep up.”
Jake competes in the 40kg weight category and prior to today’s fight has stuck to a strict diet and exercise plan.
The Castle Community College pupil said: “I’ve been training nonstop really. I’ve been running in the mornings before school as well as training every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and at the weekends.”
During his training sessions Jake would continuously punch a pad for six minutes as well practice sit ups and press ups.
His step dad Jonathan Lee, who is also a volunteer at Aylesham Boxing Club where Jake trains, said: “It’s an outstanding achievement from any local grass roots club. We’re very proud of him.”
Both Jake and Jonathan have thanked coaches Paul ‘Geeza’ Giles and Paul Sillibourne.
Jonathan said: “None of this would have been possible without the effort they have put in.”
Jake, a former Deal Town Rangers FC player, started boxing around three years ago when his younger brother was looking to get involved with the sport. He ended up giving it a go and hasn’t looked back.
Jake says he feels “comfortable” in the ring and now hopes to box for England.