The 16-year-old Highbury College catering student has thrown himself into a tough fitness and healthy eating regime after discovering a love of boxing as part of the student enrichment programme. He has lost over two stone in two months after attending the boxing club.

Josh’s mum, Sharon Wemyss says that boxing has changed Josh’s life: “This was the lad who used to lie in bed until 11 o’clock in the morning. Now he’s up at six to start exercising. It’s made him so much more confident. He really carries himself differently. I’m so proud of him for working so hard and doing so well.”                                                                                                  

Josh is in his first year of studying catering at Highbury College, as he has always wanted to be a chef;  

“The skills I have gained from boxing are to be confident working on my own, to focus on what I am doing, to have commitment. These skills have helped me in my catering course as well as in the ring.

“I have been lucky that Highbury College teamed up with Heart of Portsmouth. The boxing sessions have helped me in everyday life by building my confidence and increasing my fitness.”

Paul Kapnisi, Josh’s coach, says that his motivation is admirable: “I’ve been working closely with Josh for about three months, and he has done brilliantly. Sometimes it seems like he’s pushing himself harder than I am!”

Josh has big plans for his boxing future:“I see myself becoming national champion first, then Olympic champion and after all this, world champion. I reckon I can accomplish this by staying focused and committed.”

The boxing classes organised by Highbury College are part of a range of fitness activities available to students as part of the College's commitment to Keeping Active.