Honiton: Teenager, 13, selected to represent England in boxing competition makes mum 'unbelievably proud'

Josh Smith, 13, has been selected to compete in the World Boxing Council (WBG) games in Calgary this August.

He will be representing England in the Muay Thai Youth Games.

Josh, who lives in Hemyock, has been training at Twin Tigers Martial Arts and Boxing Club in Honiton for three years. Paul Quick is the Head Coach at Twin Tigers and he spoke to Nub News about Josh's success.

He said: "All the coaches at Twin Tigers are over the moon for Josh.

"Josh trains with heart, determination and the drive of a professional. Hard work - with no shortcuts - pays off! We have travelled the country with Josh to compete.

"Through his skill, balance, determination and heart, Josh proved himself a worthy member of the English team - now to get him there!"

Josh frequently travels to other parts of the UK to train and gain experience and to be chosen for the games he attended a selection process where his skills were accessed by WBC coaches.

Josh's mother Sarah said: "Josh started Muay Thai four years ago and he has learnt so much from it: discipline, not to use his skills to show off and, most of all, he's learnt respect.

"We are so unbelievably proud of Josh; his journey hasn't been the easiest for him, but he's completely blown us away with his skills and talent. I never thought after 4 years of training he would be on the England team. This is a dream come true for Josh and us."

Josh said: "I feel really happy and excited about making the team!

"I have my coaches Paul and Dale to thank: they have helped me get to where I am today.

"Thanks to all of the team who have sparred with me and supported me, including Jake Purdy, Jonathan, Steve, Mo, Joe and Barnaby."

Josh's family will need to raise the money to enable him to fly to Canada and so Twin Tigers are organising fundraising events. There will be disco on June 18 and a games night at Honiton Gym.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help raise the necessary funds for Josh and Paul to travel to Calgary, and more than £400 has been donated already. You can make a donation here.