It has been a busy time for up-and-coming star John McCallum, from Tranent’s Bronx Boxing Gym, including a trip to the other side of the Atlantic.

The teenager was in Canada to compete at the Golden Gloves last month, but his team were left disappointed as there were no fighters in John’s weight category and age, so he was unable to compete.

Instead, they flew to America and had sparring sessions with Chris Johnson, a boxing medallist at the 1992 Olympics, much to the delight of John’s dad.

John senior told Courier Sport: “He [Johnson] did some really good technical work with John – he’s still got a lot to work on but that was a good experience for him.” And he was on his travels again shortly after his return from America, as he took part in the Hull Box Cup.

There, John eased his way into the semi-final, and another impressive all-round performance saw the teenager into the final.

And despite coming up against quality opposition, McCallum junior gave a good account of himself, denied victory only, according to his dad, by some poor officiating.

He added: “John fought an English lad in the final, and he [John] won it easily. He was really good.

“When you should have won it that easy, then it was very frustrating.” He went on to admit it was “one of those things” and that nothing would be done, despite McCallum launching a complaint with English Boxing.

Meanwhile, for dad John senior, there was delight as he was named coach of the year at the Tranent and District Community Sports Awards.

And he admits it was a nice accolade for his work with the club.

Anyone who wants to get involved with the club should contact John senior at bronxboxing78@googlemail.com