EASTBURN Amateur Boxing Club's Josh Holmes fought through the pain barrier to be crowned national champion.

Holmes beat Jerome Campbell on a split decision to win the 60kg final of the England Boxing Senior Development Championships at Grantham.

The 21-year-old completed his sixth triumph in six weeks despite injuring his right hand in reaching the show-piece event.

Tests this week revealed that Holmes had torn tissue around his knuckles and trainer Naz Jalil hailed the boxer's 'warrior' spirit for his determination to power through it and win gold.

He said: "I couldn't even 'pad' Josh in the changing room before because of his injury but he punched his way through it.

"He went toe to toe with his opponent and I couldn't have asked him for any better.

"He'd damaged his hand but he bit down on his gum shield and fought his way through like a true fighter. It was the mark of a great warrior."

Holmes – competing for the club where Keighley Olympian Muhammad Ali first trained – was involved in a battle royal with Islington Boxing Club's Campbell.

Jalil said: "The officials and judges said it was the fight of the championships, which is quite something when you consider there were 40 bouts on Sunday and 40 the previous day."

The Eastburn trainer felt his boxer deserved a unanimous decision though he gave credit to Campbell.

He said: "Jerome is a slippery kid who hits and moves and makes it hard to get points back.

"But we knew that and Josh just kept him in his pocket."

The Earby boxer's success should pave the way for more opportunities next year, though Jalil is keen not to push him too far too soon.

He said: "Josh will have a rest until after Christmas and we'll then see what's on the horizon.

"He'll be looking to step up to the ABA open championships in May/June and he has been asked to spar with England's number one and two at his weight.

"I don't want to rush the lad and we'll look at what the best opportunities are for Josh.

"He is also in line for the British belt but we'd want a few other bouts before he takes that on."

Jalil paid tribute to those who have supported Holmes on his way to national glory.

He said: "We took a 52-seater minibus to Grantham and he has a massive amount of support, with people spending money travelling up and down the country to follow him."