Coaches at a Carlisle boxing club have spoken of their pride after their young fighter became European champion.

John Joe Carrigan, 16, won the 70kg category at the EUBC Junior Championships in Romania.

And the Todhills boxer’s success has been saluted by Border City Amateur Boxing Club, where Carrigan has been training for the last ten years.

“We’re very proud of what the club’s achieved, what John Joe has achieved. Nobody deserves it more than him,” said Border City ABC’s Ian Archibald.

“This hasn’t happened overnight. It’s been a process. We keep setting goals, and he’s kept winning titles, Box Cups, regional titles, national titles…

“Before he went to the Europeans I knew he would medal. I tipped him for gold – that’s how confident I was in him.

“But when you go to these Europeans you just don’t know who you’re up against.

News and Star: John Joe Carrigan's certificate marking his Junior European Championships victoryJohn Joe Carrigan's certificate marking his Junior European Championships victory (Image: Supplied)

“Yet he’s had five bouts in ten days, and all wins against people from all over Europe.

“I think the better the opponent in front of him, the better he rises to the challenge. It brings the best out of him.”

Carrigan’s five bouts saw win win four unanimous decisions from the judges and one split decision.

In the final he convincingly defeated Albania’s Koci Amhed to land the gold medal.

Archibald said the achievement was unprecedented success for the Carlisle club.

“We’ve had national titles but never had anyone box for England in a European Championships and come away with a gold medal,” he said.

“I think John Joe is the first ever from Carlisle and Cumbria to win a European.

“He was at Currock House when he was about six, then came to us. He couldn’t even run round the block at first but he’s stuck at it, he’s hungry, very dedicated and just wants to be the best.

“His parents have backed him all the way, the club backs him – and he backs himself. He’s very confident.

“It’s massive for the club and the area. We’ve now got to pick another champion out of the ranks now.”

Carrigan earned his opportunity with England after winning a string of domestic titles.

His victory in Romania made him one of seven Team England boxers to win gold at the championships.

England Boxing described the young Cumbrian as one of their most impressive performers.

“I’m going to speak to the England coaches to see where we go now,” added Archibald.

“I think he’ll have to stay with England now and they’ll have to keep him busy because I’ve been struggling to match him [with opponents] for a while now.”