THIS YEAR’s Rio Olympic Games is much too soon for Solihull schoolboy Josh Da Silva but he is already setting his sights on Tokyo 2020 after winning his latest boxing title.
The 15-year-old, who boxes in the 60 kg division, has added the Midland Area title to the Birmingham one he won last year and national glory is his next goal.
But Josh has already proved himself at international level having won a gold medal last September at a tournament in Copenhagen where he represented Solihull Boxing Club.
And coach Paul Archer believes his young fighter is one to watch out for in the future, with a shot at the Olympic Games in four years time the goal.
He said: “He is a very good prospect, and I rate Josh highly. He is definitely a name to look out for.
“He has natural talent, he loves the sport and he is really keen and ambitious – mix those ingredients together and you have a lad who can go places.”
Josh himself believes the hype surrounding him too and says his ambition is to represent his country at international level, while going to the Olympic Games would be ‘a dream come true’.
“It is every schoolboy’s ambition to go to the Olympics, and it is certainly mine,” said Josh, who took up boxing three years ago. “But I am not getting carried away, and I have a long way to go before I can start thinking about that.
“Now I’ve won the Midland’s title for my level I’m thinking about being a national champion, and that gives me a big incentive to work hard.
“Obviously I would love to represent my country, and I have proved I can compete at international level by winning a gold medal in Denmark,” he said. “But there are lots of very talented boxers out there, so it’s going to be tough.”
Josh has received the full backing from his family with proud father also providing sponsorship and financial support for events and tournaments.
He added: “I love boxing, and always have done, so I’m obviously delighted that Josh is doing so well.
“I admit to being biased, but he really is a natural, and I will give him all the support I can to help him fulfil his aspirations, and his potential.
“But what he has achieved is down to the fantastic support of Solihull Boxing Club, and in particular, Paul Archer. Josh is in very good hands.
“It’s a great community club, offering opportunities to all, and other than Josh there are some very talented young boxers who also have the potential to make great progress in the sport.”
Solihull Boxing Club meets at Summerfield Education Centre, Brackleys Way, Solihull, B92 8QE. For more information, contact head coach Paul Archer on 07971 666007, or visit the website: www.solihullboxing.co.uk.
