A YOUNG boxer who only took up the sport ten months ago won big after scooping a medal at a prestigious international event. 

Angel Higgs, 12, took to the ring to fight on behalf of Church Boxing in Maldon.

Despite only taking up boxing less than a year ago, she already found herself as a contender in the Golden Girl Championship.

The tournament was first held in 2009 and is open for female boxers at all categories and levels.

According to Church Boxing owner Darrel Church, it is the biggest female boxing tournament in the world with hundreds around the world competing each year.

Angel took home a silver medal at this year’s event which took place in Borås, Sweden. 

She had advanced through the quarter finals and semi finals, but lost out on the gold medal due to a split decision.

Her dad and coach Kieran and Church Boxing owner Darrel also made the trip to Sweden, as well as another young female competitor.

Darrel is a retired boxer who now serves as head coach and trainer at Church Boxing.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Coach - retired boxer Darrel ChurchCoach - retired boxer Darrel Church (Image: Submitted)

In January, he told the Standard that he was returning to the ring to raise funds for students to participate in international competitions.

Darrel said although money is still being raised, they had managed to accumulate £1,200 which went towards sending the girls to the Golden Girl Championship.

He told the Maldon and Burnham Standard: "It feels sort of surreal, surreal to think a girl only boxing for ten months can go and out there and win a medal.

"It’s unbelievable that she could do this and it makes your heart sing. It’s happy tears.

"It’s a really hard feeling to describe. You’re just so proud and it’s unbelievable that she could do that”.

He added: "We're one big family at the club, we treat every child like they're our own children.

"We always go above and beyond for the kids and always will."