CHADWELL St Mary ABC boxer Nina Hughes has become the first women in England to win an England Boxing title belt.

Hughes, ranked number one in England at 57 kg, defeated the number two ranked boxer Raven Chapman, from Arena ABC, at the Irish centre in Birmingham.

In order for the Chadwell St Mary boxer to keep the belt forever, she will have to defend the title three times against any 57 kg female boxer that can qualify to challenge her.

Chadwell St Mary ABC chairman Sindy Overy, who travelled to Birmingham with her fighter at the weekend, said: “Nina never fails to amaze me. She is a very tough boxer and she did what she had to do against a much taller opponent by working off of her back foot and then making the opportunity when in close to work on the inside and push her opponent back in order to bring the title belt back to Thurrock.”

Overy added Hughes has to work very hard in order to commit to the sport at such a high level as well as working and being a mum to her one-year-old son Leo.

Hughes’ team-mates Zac Baxter (60kg), 15, and Alfie Churms (47kg), 11, also made the journey at the weekend and boxed on supporting bouts.

They both boxed against Birmingham boxers from Jewellery Quarter ABC.

Zac Baxter earned himself a unanamous win against J Hodgson and Alfie Churms lost a very close bout against D Allen.