A YORK boxer has been tipped to make a name for herself at an upcoming national championships.

Paris Smith, 12, has caught the eye of England and Team GB coaches after an 18 months that has seen her win all of her last nine bouts.

In spring, Smith, who fights out of Legion's Gym in York, will have the chance to add to this tally when she joins the England Boxing Schools Championships in April, with the final to take place on May 19.

Smith - who won the 2018 Esker BoxCup against the Irish national champion - recently beat the current national schoolgirl champion, Amelia New of Sunderland East End, with a first-round stoppage, after stepping up two weight divisions from 54kg to 60kg.

After losing her first contest on a split decision 18 months ago against Lia Crowe (Queensberry Police ABC), Smith has won eight of her last nine bouts inside the distance - with four of them in the first round - and avenged her defeat to Crowe, who remains the only opponent to go the distance against her.

Ashley Martin, head boxing coach at Legions Gym, said: "Paris will go on to great things in this sport. She is soaring through the ranks in female boxing.

"A child with her raw talent, natural power and aggression is somewhat unheard of and she’s making quite a name for herself on the boxing scene.

"With female boxing on the rise, she has got a very bright future ahead of her and she’s got what it takes to go all the way."

Smith will be boxing at her gym's home show on Friday, February 22.