One of the men who run Bushey Boxing Club was left “over the moon” after eight-year-old Harley Flynn marked his first show by winning the boxer of the evening award.

Harley, from Harrow, had one of English boxing’s brightest talents, Mitchell Smith, in his corner during the ‘gym’ show on Sunday.

Smith, who is English super featherweight champion and challenging for a European belt next week, is a former Bushey ABC fighter and his dad John is now one of the men who run the club.

Harley only took up the sport six months ago and John said: “I’m over the moon with how he got on. He did really well and if he keeps trying and working hard then he will box at a decent level.”

Harley, who attends Weald Junior School, fought in four bouts during the event at Cheshunt ABC, which also included fighters from South Oxhey ABC and Gator ABC.

There was no scoring in the contests as the event was designed to help young boxers adapt to fighting in front of an audience.

John added: “These events are like an introduction for them. I compare it to blowing up a balloon. The boxers get all pumped up before they fight and when you release them, there is a danger they can be flat and not perform if they are not used to the environment. That can happen at all levels.

“So nights like this are aimed at helping improve their ability to deal with pressure.

“And on the night Harley was full of himself and did really well so I’m over the moon.”