TEENAGE boxer Ivan Duniak has secured his first belt.

Duniak won the 69kg weight class at the National Youth Championships in Rotherham.

A split decision victory over Michael Hennessey secured the title for the Runcorn fighter, who was happy to end a run of bad luck in similar fights.

“He was big, but I was certain I could counter him quite easily because he was slower than me,” he said.

“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.

“I obviously have to enjoy it to put all the work in and I do want to make it as a professional,”

Duniak’s dream of becoming a professional boxer has moved a step closer but he has already mixed with illustrious company having previously sparred with former WBO light-middleweight champion Liam Smith.

Steve Nixon, Duniak’s maths tutor at Priestley College in Warrington where he is working towards A-levels in maths, further maths and electronics at the college, 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.”