A YOUNG fighter packed a punch to strike gold with a national boxing award.

Noah Waddell topped the 48kg category at Scottish Boxing's School and Junior Golden Gloves Championship.

The 14-year-old, who recently switched from Muay Thai to boxing, has only taken part in a handful of boxing fights and says he is delighted to have won.

His coach at Inverclyde Boxing Club, Rab McMaster, told the Tele it was a proud moment for both Noah and the club.

He said: "We've been fully affiliated as a club for a year and a half and we've been flying ever since.

"We've had novice champions, intermediate champions - golds and silvers left, right and centre.

"But Noah's the first to win the Golden Gloves.

"Noah previously did Muay Thai and he did several fights in Muay Thai, which means I have to put them on his card.

"He's fighting against guys that are really good.

"He's only had a handful of boxing fights and he's been going up against experienced guys and winning.

"We're all really proud of him, he'll always be our first Scottish champion."

Noah will go on now and fight for a British title in mid June.

Rab said: "For somebody that's so new to boxing to be competing for a title like that is great."

Young fighter Noah is now preparing for the fights ahead and hopes they can be the next steps towards a professional career.

He said: "I'm so happy to have won the Golden Gloves, it feels absolutely amazing.

"I think I have the right mindset and skills to be a boxer.

"I don't want to settle for something else."

His proud father Mark said: "Noah's done us all proud winning this, it's well deserved.

"Rab deserves credit too - he's so dedicated and he's too modest to say it, but he's done a great job."

READ MORE: Subscribe to our newsletter for the chance to win £500