YOUNG York boxer Josh Parker has been crowned Yorkshire champion in his age and weight class - and now has sights on a national title.

Jorvik Boxing Club colleague Marco Camacho also reached a county final to end as runner-up in his age group and division.

The pair were competing in the Yorkshire Amateur Boxing Association Championships finals in Havercroft, and their success has provided a huge boost to their club who only a year ago faced closure but for the help of York Masters BC.

Parker, 13, who had forced an opponent into having a standing eight count in an earlier round, won a unanimous points decision in the final.

Damian Lythgoe, assistant-coach at Jorvik, said: “Marco boxed well but lost his final and finished as runner-up but Josh won his final to be crowned Yorkshire champion.

“This is a really proud moment for everyone at Jorvik Boxing Club as we had to leave our previous gym and this time last year it looked like we may have to close all together.

“Luckily York Masters Boxing Club have allowed us to train at their gym since November.

“Without their facilities and gym we probably wouldn’t have a boxing club right now let alone a Yorkshire schoolboy champion.”

Parker’s success qualified him for the national championships representing Yorkshire against all of the other regions in England.

Added Lythgoe: “I know he will do all he can to bring back the title for his beloved boxing club, for York and Yorkshire.”