Robert is the latest in his family to box his way to glory.

Sunderland schoolboy Robert New ‘eats, sleeps and breathes boxing’ - and his dedication to the sport has paid off after becoming a national champion.

The 12-year-old Southmoor Academy pupil fights out of Sunderland Eastend Boxing Gym and boxing is in his blood, with his sisters also hugely successful in the sport.

He recently fought his way through the regions in England to secure his win as champion in the 42kg category at the England Boxing National Schools Championships 2026.

Robert has had 23 fights throughout his amateur career so far and has achieved this title at only 12 years old, being one of the youngest of the competition.

He will now go onto England camp in the hope to fulfil his dreams and fight in the European championships later this year if he is successful in camp.

Mum Sara New said she was super proud of her son.

“ It is his lifelong dream to become a world champion and he eats, sleeps and breathes his boxing,” she said. “It means everything to him at such a young age. His discipline and dedication to running, diet and training every day of the week is what got him to where he is.

“He has two older sisters , Amelia and Anya New, that have both achieved multiple national titles and Anya a gold European title last year - so he has big boots to fill!

“We are all absolutely over the moon for him. He supports all his team mates in the gym and this year was his turn to get what he has been working so hard for.”