Cumbrian teenager John Joe Carrigan has tonight been crowned European boxing champion.

The 16-year-old from Carlisle won the 70kg final in the EUBC Junior Championships in Romania.

Carrigan, on his England debut in European competition, claimed a unanimous victory over Albania’s Koci Amhed.

It earned the Todhills teenager, from Border City Amateur Boxing Club, the coveted gold medal.

Carrigan produced impressive performances in an England vest throughout the EUBC event, capped with Sunday night's convincing victory.

In the semi-final he overcame Poland's Fabian Urbanski in another unanimous decision from the judges.

It followed his previous victories over opponents from Turkey, Romania and Ukraine in the earlier rounds.

Carrigan earned his opportunity with England after winning a series of national and regional titles.

He is the latest boxer from Border City ABC to enjoy success on the big stage, after super-heavyweight Ike Ogbo became national amateur champion in 2021 and is now on the Great Britain pathway.

Carrigan told the News & Star in January that his ambition is eventually to become world champion, while Border City coach Ian Archibald has long talked up the young boxer's potential to make his mark in the sport.

Border City tonight saluted their young fighter's achievement.

"What a year this young man has had," the club posted on social media. "He has won everything he has entered. What a medal to add to his Tri-Nations title he picked up last month. 

"One thing for sure we know he’ll be hunting down the new target.

"Well done John Joe from all at your club.. No1 in Europe.. wow 👏👏

"This comes with thousands of hours' work by John Joe, the club (coaches, committee and team mates) parents and family members.

"Each and every one has played a part in this fantastic achievement so we hope you’re all as proud as we are.

"Thank you to our friends in boxing for the valuable sparring, always appreciated🥊. Well done to all the other Team England boxers and coaching staff, what a great tournament with all boxers doing their clubs proud.🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👏👏"

Feature: The teenage Carlisle boxer winning one title after another