HEREFORDSHIRE boxer Josh Mitchell will be aiming for a national title when he competes in the Rhondda later this month.

The Eardisland-based plumber was a finalist in the Clubs for Young People 80th anniversary UK Championships for 2006 and will be hoping for further success in the Welsh Championship finals on March 23.

Mitchell, now 20, was a 19-year-old when he finished runner-up in the UK super-heavyweight division and made his mark on the championships despite his limited experience.

In fact, he had previously only had three competitive fights after starting his career in Hereford and then switching to the St Joseph's club in Newport, Wales.

After reaching the final for weights of plus-91kg, he came up against a powerful and experienced fighter in Anthony Simpson from Northumberland.

Mitchell lost on points over four rounds but made it a close call for the Geordie by downing his opponent three times in the last round.