LEDBURY’S Alex Florence successfully defended his Central England men’s light welterweight belt against challenger Ryan Turner.

The Chesterfield boxer, known as the Pain Junkie, lived up to his name by taking plenty of punches, which did not faze him.

Florence, nicknamed Pinky, had to use his range of talents to go through the first and second rounds.

He started to soften the opponent with outstanding boxing and speed into the third round before unleashing his power to cause a standing count.

The Herefordshire fighter eventually deservedly won by a unanimous decision to keep his championship belt.

Florence, 18, has been invited back to spar with Welsh competitor Chris Jenkins, who won the light-welterweight Prizefighter competition last year and has a record of 16 wins with eight knockouts.

The Ledbury boxer said: “It’s nice to start sparring and working with the professionals.

“Looking at my future going forward, I have given 110 per cent to my boxing and always will. It’s not a sport to me but a passion.

“I am going to try my hardest to be the best and I will box anybody in this world.”

Coach and father Fred Florence said: “Alex is pushing everything he’s got. I am very proud of him. He’s knocking on the doors of the pros.

“With just a little bit more maturity by the end of the year, I should feel comfortable as a coach and a father to step him over to professional fighting.

“So hopefully, with the support of Herefordshire, we will be bringing pro titles back to Ledbury.”

Anyone interested in boxing can call the club on 01531 631879 or 07833 918134.