Joshua Burnham is the new British Amateur 58-60kg category champion.

Burnham, 16, won the British title for his weight, age and class at the Austin Rawlinson Sports Centre in Speke in Liverpool.

A member of Radlett and Bushey Reform Synagogue, Joshua started boxing at Bushey Amateur Boxing club, a successful gym run by Danny Shinkwin who has led several boys to championship titles, five years ago.

Under Shinkwin’s watchful eye, has become popular and respected fighter with an impressive and distinctive style.

A 6th former at Bushey Meads School, Burnham overcame Nathan Bennett from Kirkdale ABC in the final. Bennet is taller and and was the heavier fighter and he stalked Burnham for the first round and whilst Joshua proved to be difficult to hit, Bennett’s reach prevented him from landing any punches that scored.

After two rounds, Joshua trailing 6-0. Clearly the tactics needed to change and Danny and his second John Smith gave their young protégé new instructions.

As described by Joshua father, Kevin, there were a few “colourful words” in the corner and Joshua came out for the final two minutes with both barrels blazing.

The fight stepped up a level and the whole hall became charged with the intensity of the action. Bennett could not match Joshua’s speed and powerful combinations and Joshua went on to score a 9-7 victory.

Kevin Burnham said: “People were amazed that so many points could be scored in one round and even the trainers for Bennett were full of praise of the performance from Joshua.”

Joshua commented that it was “great to be in such good shape otherwise he may not have been able to sustain the attack”.