CHLOE Watson has become the first female boxer in Wirral to become an Amateur Boxing Association national champion, writes Phil Rostance.

Chloe, who turns 14 on Monday, travelled to Brentwood, in Essex, to outpoint Freya Jones, in the final to become the 40-42kg ABA Class 1 category champion.

In the opening round Chloe forced the referee to give Freya Jones a standing eight count before going on to unanimously outpoint her.

Chloe took up boxing at the age of 11 and has been carefully nurtured and trained at Birkenhead’s Venture Boxing Club - she has won eight out of her 11 amateur bouts.

The Birkenhead boxer is talented and dedicated and moves around the ring with grace and elegance - she has mastered the noble art.

However, when necessary, she can stand 'toe to toe' and trade punches with her opponents.

In training sessions she has been known to spar with people three years her senior.

Chloe, who has a twin brother called Curtis, has boxing in her blood. Her father Mark and Uncles Leon and David were all handy Wirral-based boxers too.

Venture Boxing Club trainer Danny Kelly said: "We're all really excited about Chloe Watson as she's probably the best girl on the amateur boxing scene.

"She trains hard, eats well and has the perfect attitude. We're hopeful she'll go on to box for England and represent GB - in a same way as her boxing idol Natasha Jonas from Liverpool."

Chloe Watson added: "I would like to thank Danny Kelly and Sean Trodden and all the Venture Boxing Club trainers who have dedicated their time and experience on training me.

"I couldn't have won this national title without them - the support I have received has been incredible."