SLOUGH boxer Josh Adewale has a point to prove as he aims to better last year’s bronze medal in the Boxing Development Championships.

Middleweight Adewale overcame Vince Gough in the first round of the competition in Berinsfield on Sunday, and he is aiming for more this time around.

“Last year I got to the semi-finals and won a bronze medal which hangs above my bed,” The Cippenham-based boxer told the Observer. “People say it's a big achievement but I'm not too happy with it.

“I feel like I've got a point to prove. I was not as confident last year and didn't know what the competition was like.

“I do feel I am starting to believe because I'm more comfortable and confident in the ring.”

The 22-year-old’s footwork proved to be the difference in the first round on Sunday, dodging Gough’s punches and, through rounds two and three, Adewale traded punches with his opponent before being awarded a unanimous decision by the three judges.

Adewale said: “He was an older, tough guy but I didn't feel 100 per cent.

"I hadn't boxed for three months or trained for as long as I would have liked. I had to do a two-hour run in my weight suit to lose half a kilo, and he had to shave off some weight before the fight.

"I had a virus a little while back and needed to do a medical, which I managed to get done, but it was all just a bit rushed and I would have preferred it not to be like that.

He continued: “He could not land any clean shots and I hurt him a little bit. It was the first fight of the season and I could have boxed better, but I boxed to the win.

"He was a bit too tough for his own good and I enjoyed it in the end, sticking my tongue out in the last round."

High Wycombe’s Amer Kayani is next for Adewale in the Home Counties finals this weekend.