The 16-year-old is trained by Greg Tindall at the Paterson boxing gym and was encouraged to take up the sport by a mate.

“A friend at school told me about it earlier last year and I went along to see what it was all about,” he said.

“I had never seen a gym before and didn’t really know what to expect.

“But I decided to take up boxing.  I’m still doing it and my friend has quit.”

Will trains three days a week which has paid off with a silver medal at the National Golden Glove competition in Brisbane at the end of August.

At the end of last month he went to the NSW State Novice Titles at Richmond and won his round in the 70kg junior competition on the Saturday.

He fought in the final on the Sunday and lost on a split point decision.

Coach Greg Tindall said he wasn’t disappointed at all.

“It was an outstanding achievement for someone so new to the sport,” he said.

“He is just starting to learn what it is all about now.

“In the 14 years I have been coaching he is the best I have come across.

“I have never trained a boy so dedicated.

“He catches the bus to Dungog High School every morning.  Then three afternoons he catches the Paterson bus down here and waits around until I arrive.

“His parents then come across from Stroud at 6.45 at night to pick him up.

“That’s what I call dedication.”

Tindall comes from a boxing family and said he loves the sport and training the kids.

“It’s not bash and crash as some people believe,” he said.

“Amateur boxing turns boys into young men and gives them respect for life.

“I really like giving back to the sport that has given me so much pleasure.

“I have four 16-year-olds who come here for boxing as well as others who come here for fitness.

Tindall said the Paterson Tavern has been very generous in helping Will get to Brisbane as well as helping financially with the gym.

“I would also like to thank the people who have bought raffle tickets to help get us to Queensland.

“They are all very proud of our gym here.

“[Boxing] done properly, is great for the kids.”