YORK College student Cam Shaw is preparing himself for action at Europe's largest amateur boxing event.

Shaw is one of 300 male and female fighters who will be contesting the Haringey Box Cup at London's famous Alexandra Palace venue from Friday until Sunday.

Along with UK boxers, competitors will also travel from Norway, Sweden, Belgium, Switzerland and Ireland for the eighth annual hosting of the competition.

Prior to his journey to the capital, Shaw said: “I started training at York Boxing Club two years ago and, after only seven months, I was having my first fight, which I won. I went on to win seven more consecutive fights all by unanimous decisions.

"Boxing is hard work and takes a lot of commitment but I thoroughly enjoy it. I’m looking forward to competing in the cup.

"It’s a lot of hard work keeping your body in good shape, eating clean, keeping healthy and training but I like to be dedicated. Boxing is a tough sport, not just physically but also mentally and, when it comes down to it, the spotlight is on you.”

Shaw will be part of a team of four boxers participating in the cup, representing York Boxing Club and the Jack Raine Foundation, with his trainer Isaac Inns adding: “Cam always tries really hard and he is very sure of himself, which is something a good boxer needs. He is sharp and learns quickly.

"Hopefully, this will help him gain the experience essential to succeed.”

Boxing fits around Shaw’s education at York College, where he is studying a Level 1 Diploma in Vehicle Maintenance progressing to Engineering.

“It’s important to keep active whilst learning and being able to have the best of both worlds," Shaw reasoned. "I would love to compete in the Olympics and become a professional boxer, but it’s also important to gain an education.”