A young boxer whose great-grandad fought Henry Cooper has landed a national title.

Joshua Shaw, 11, a member of Snodland ABC, triumphed at the Schoolboy National Championships in Swindon.

He won the 30-32kg class, earning a unanimous decision in the semi-finals and a majority verdict in the final.

Shaw’s great-grandad, Bob, twice took British icon Cooper the distance as an amateur in the late 1950s.

So boxing is very much in the family and the youngster is continuing the tradition.

“Joshua’s trained since he was five, so he’s put a lot of time and effort in,” said dad Jonathan.

“It’s a great result for him and for the club.

“He was so chuffed after the final. He went, ‘I did it, Dad’ and he gave me the biggest hug.

“I was very proud of him.”

Shaw originally trained at Spitfire in Kings Hill before switching to Halling, who were based at Evolution Strength & Fitness in Aylesford.

When they moved to a new gym, the youngster switched to Snodland and hasn’t looked back.

“We initially went to Snodland to get some sparring and Joshua said, ‘Dad, do you mind if I join this club?’” said Jonathan. “He’s been up there ever since.

“It’s a community club, the trainers are brilliant. They’re such good people. They really look out for the kids.”