WINNING a regional competition has inspired a 16-year-old to juggle his studies with training to become an Olympic boxer.

Rahiem Bailey who trains at Honor Oak Boxing Club won the South East ABA Championship boxing title on March 13.

The welterweight, who lives just off Hither Green Lane in Lewisham, is studying for his GCSEs at Sedgehill School while training for fights.

Speaking to News Shopper, he said: “It’s hard, but I know it’s important to have a good education.

“I am working towards boxing at the Olympics. It’s once in a blue moon that something like that happens in your backyard and I would be really proud to fight for my country there.”