Selkirk teenager wins gold at Boxing Scotland Youth and Elite Championships

The 6ft 17-year-old Earlston High School pupil beat Lochend’s Christian Pacitti to claim the title.

The Edinburgh fighter took a standing eight count in the first round and was unable to continue for the second leaving Dent to claim gold.

Dent will now undertake an assessment week with the Boxing Scotland squad with a view to representing his country.

Charlie Dent picks up gold

He told the Border Telegraph: “I was over the moon with the victory. It was a great experience. I come from a boxing family and love the sport. It keeps me fit and out of trouble. My first fight was in January 2017 and since then I’ve fought 21-times and I’m now looking forward to the trials. I’d love to box for Scotland but my ultimate goal in the future would be to turn professional.”

Dent trains at the Borders Boxing Gym in Selkirk run by his grandfather Pat Mulroy who is a professional boxing coach and both parents, Billy and Vikki who are also coaches.

Proud mum Vikki said: “We are incredibly proud of Charlie. We opened the Borders Boxing Club in 2019 but because of the pandemic this is really our first proper season. We are passionate about helping boxers in the Borders progress to the top levels and improving health and wellbeing in the local community.

“We run classes for 7–10-year-olds, 11-adults non-competitive and our boxers group to provide a pathway for aspiring young boxers. Hopefully having a champion in the club will help increase the profile.

More information about the club can be found on their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Bordersboxingclub/