World IBF heavyweight boxing champion and Watford boy Anthony Joshua might want to watch his back with the next generation of young fighters from the area impressing at the National School Championships.

Young boxers from across the country went head-to-head at Feltham College in London last weekend in the biggest annual national event in the youth boxing calendar.

The area has enjoyed a purple patch with emerging talent in recent years, with Joshua joined by Reece Bellotti and Miles Shinkwin to name but two, and their inspiration was evident as four fighters from South Oxhey and Bushey boxing clubs reached the final, or better, in their respective weight classes.

South Oxhey fighter Daniel Farrell took the 54-kilogram schoolboy title in only his eighth ever fight, and has been tipped by coach James Gentry to go ‘all the way’ in the sport.

Farrell himself hopes of making it as a professional, and certainly has the taste for success after the biggest fight of his life.

“Last weekend was the first time I’ve been involved in something as big as this,” he said. “I want to go professional eventually. James has been more of a friend than a coach to me, and he has great advice.

“I started just to help with my fitness for playing football, but I grew to love it. It’s my favourite sport now.”

In an age where more than ever, young sportsmen and women can be constantly tempted by distractions, inspiration in South Oxhey is never far away.

Bellotti - who is on the undercard for David Haye’s fight with Tony Bellew at the O2 next month - is still a member at the club, and  has no issue passing on his knowledge to the next generation of fighters.

“Reece is the local hero, as far as we are concerned,” Gentry said. “He still has a huge involvement in the club. It’s great for the kids.  “They see him with his belts, and we go to shows and see him fighting – it’s a big inspiration for them.”

South Oxhey is not the only Watford breeding ground for success, however.

A few miles down the road, Bushey Boxing Club, led by Mick Shinkwin, uncle of Miles, saw a trio of its youngsters take home medals from the national championships.

Khurran Alishan was champion in the 30-kilogram boys’ weight group, brother Humza Alishan runner-up in the 40-kilogram category, and Dean Shiels winner in the 46-kilogram class.

Given the way Shinkwin talks about his philosophy for the way he runs the club, it is no great shock to see its proteges doing well – but the Bushey coach is not one to take anything for granted.

He said: “Getting three into the final - I thought it was like all my Christmases coming at once.

“We’re very disciplined - and we’re getting a lot of comments on social media about this place turning into a ‘championship factory’.

“We teach a very high level and expect it from the young lads. They have got bright futures, the schoolboys championship is just the beginning.

“There is great collaboration between the clubs too, we share each others’ facilities for sparring, and it helps the guys come up against different styles – which is what they’ll have to get used to.”