Young boxer celebrates first belt after big win
A YOUNG boxer from Runcorn with a head for numbers and dreams of becoming a professional has secured his first belt.
Ivan Duniak, 17, was celebrating after a win in the 69kg weight class at the National Youth Championships in Rotherham.
The Priestley College student, who is working towards A-levels in maths, further maths and electronics, defeated Michael Hennessey thanks to a split decision.
His tactics of working hard to make Hennessey miss while also landing some clean hits of his own paid off.
It was a great moment for Ivan, who has previously sparred with WBO and Commonwealth light-middleweight title champion Liam Smith, and his coach Philly Roberts from Rotunda ABC.
Ivan, whose twin brother also boxes, trains at least eight hours a week either in the gym, running or sparring.
The next step he wants to take is joining an England training camp.
Ivan, of Halton Brook, said: “He was big, but I was certain I could counter him quite easily because he was slower than me.
“I’ve boxed for national titles before and missed out on decisions where I felt I had been unlucky so I’m really happy to get this one.” He added: ““I obviously have to enjoy it to put all the work in and I do want to make it as a professional,” he said.
Ivan’s maths tutor Steve Nixon at Priestley said: “It would probably be a surprise to anyone who knows Ivan that he is a boxer because he is quite a quiet lad.
“I think everyone in class enjoyed seeing his belt and wishes him well for the future.” ● ●