Mansfield prospect Nico climbing the boxing ladder

Nico (14) has had to travel and compete in the away corner before hostile crowds in order to face the best opposition.

In all four of his bouts his quick punches have bamboozled and defeated home crowd favourites including world-renowned promoter Mick Hennessey’s son, Michael, the National and European champion in Liverpool and the Redditch Cup Gold medallist in Birmingham.

Nico’s astounding progress, comfortably beating higher ranked opponents, has also resulted in him attracting a new sponsor, Mansfield contracting firm AS Plant, run by family friend and boxing enthusiast Andy Sutton.

Said Nico: “My secret to my boxing success is my dad, who trains me!

“This season every opponent I’ve faced has had a unique style, but when I get in the ring I just try to stay focused on what I’m good at.

“I think I’m boxing a lot better this season and I enjoy facing top class opponents.

“I train really hard and want a career as a boxer but I also fit my training around my GCSE studies as my education’s the most important thing.”

The All Saints School pupil trains several times a week at home with his dad, Jules, and occasionally goes to Spire Boxing Club in Chesterfield.

Nico’s last contest was at the Proact Stadium, home of Chesterfield FC where, cheered on by three tables of Mansfield Town fans, he outclassed an accomplished boxer from Milton Keynes to record the 20th victory of his career.

Nico said he was thrilled to have the sponsorship from local business AS Plant, who were at the bout, and also had Mansfield ABC chairman Russell Robles-Walker the ABA’s Dave Cockell, and Justin Marriot to thank for their continued support.

His next bout is yet to be confirmed, but in July Nico goes to Ireland to represent Mansfield in a knockout tournament against the world’s elite amateur boxers.