A YOUNG boxer who has been compared to Ricky Hatton is preparing to fight for his first title.

Charlie Rooney only stepped into the ring for the first time around nine months ago but is now preparing for a rematch to win the National Under-14s British Boxing Federation Belt.

His trainer Mike Armstrong believes he has what it takes to win and has compared him to The Hitman.

Two weeks ago the 12-year-old drew against his 14-year-old opponent in the title bout and now says he is putting every effort into training for the rematch which will hopefully be scheduled for next month and will only be his fifth fight so far.

Charlie, who lives in Swinton with mum Kerry, 30, dad Kevin, 40, and sister Jade, 17, said: "I feel very proud of myself and I’m sure the other lad will.

"It was a good fight, the other lad was older and taller than me so I was a bit scared but once you’re in the ring your skills just take over."

The Moorside High School pupil usually trains twice a week at Armstrong’s Gym in Pendleton but is planning to put his summer holidays to good use by putting in some extra practice.

Charlie, who dreams of becoming a professional boxer like his hero Muhammad Ali, added: "I would prefer to be a boxer than a bully and it really helps with your self-confidence.

"The training is really hard but fun and now it’s the summer holidays I’m going to train four times a week instead of two."

Kerry admitted it is hard to see her young son in the ring.

She said: "I am very worried when I watch him and when I saw the other boxer in the national fight I was very nervous, but I’m really proud of him."

Mike, who won the Bristish Super Featherweight title in 1992, said: "Charlie moves like a 14-year-old.

"I thought he won the fight but the referee said it was a draw.

"I can remember looking at Ricky Hatton when he was 11 and he moves the same way as him.

"He’s got a burst of energy that lasts for a long time, some kids are just born with it."