Hard work pays off as Bushey Boxing Club member Humza Ali Shan proved by winning a National School Boys title.

Sunday’s competition saw Ali Shan produce a number of impressive displays to emerge with the 44kg title.

He finished as runner-up in the 40kg category at the competition last year and has gone from strength to strength in the 12 months since.

Mick Shinkwin, who is uncle of professional boxer Miles and coaches at Bushey Boxing Club, says the victory is the result of Ali Shan’s own hard work.

“He has really improved a lot this year and he has stepped up to the mark after struggling with his weight last year,” Shinkwin said.

“It’s been impressive the way he has managed to find discipline and he is performing much better because of it.

“In the semi-final and final at the nationals he boxed absolutely brilliantly. What more can I say? He has just come on so much.”

The serene manner in which Ali Shan eased to his title came as little surprise to Shinkwin after performing well in bouts leading up to the National Championship.

Shinkwin believes the dedication Ali Shan has shown to improve as well as his abilitty means the victory at national level can provide a springboard for future success.

“It (winning the title) is reward for all the work he has put in,” he explained. “He went into the competition with the aim of winning it.

“We got him some warm up bouts so he was well prepared to do well.

“It’s up to him how far he goes, and he can go all the way. You can only work with what is in front of you and if you have a kid who gives you everything, you want to take them all the way.”

The next step in Ali Shan’s development could well come in the form of an appearance at the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) championships.

Shinkwin, for his part, is confident next year will see Ali Shan fight at ABA level as he continues his development.

One Bushey member who has already made that step is Jack Watson who will compete at the ABAs at the end of this month.

Bushey Boxing Club have a busy schedule of their own coming up with a meet taking place at the club’s Bournehall Lane training base tonight.

The meet will see 15 of the club’s junior members in action on a packed card.