WHEN Barry Higginson took over the running of a local boxing club, he set himself two goals as a tribute to its founder member - unearth a British champion and host its own tournament.

He has achieved the first and is well on his way to securing the second.

Barry took control of the Blackburn and Darwen Movers and Shakers gym earlier this year and immediately changed its name to the Trevor Thompson Pro Boxing Club. It was a mark of respect to the club's founder member who tragically died in a car accident earlier this year.

He vowed to carry on Trevor's hard work and bring the Lower Darwen-based club its first British champion.

And it is Barry's own son, Dezzy Higginson, who has brought glory to the club after winning the British Masters light welterweight title. Now plans are under way for Dezzy to defend his title at the club's first home show' - possibly at King George's Hall in the new year.

And what made Dezzy's success even more impressive was the fact that he fought Midlands Area champion Tristan Davies with only four days notice.

"This was the best fight of my career and hopefully the first title of many to come," said the 25-year-old former Pleckgate High School pupil who won in five rounds. "I only had a few days' notice but I had to take it because these opportunies don't come along that often. Now I want to defend the title in Blackburn and hopefully go on and fight for a Lonsdale belt."

Dezzy turned professional two years ago and has a record of five wins, six defeats and a draw - a record that doesn't tell the full story says Barry.

"Dezzy hasn't had the luxury of picking easy fights so he has fought some good fighters from the start," said Barry who runs the club based at Albert Mill in Lower Darwen. "But he deserves the title because he has worked very hard for it.

"He only took it on with a few days notice but I told him he could do it because he is in great shape and is training in the gym every night of the week.

"I strongly believe Dezzy is good enough to go on and be a bit special."

Dezzy dedicated the victory to Trevor, and Barry is happy he has managed to stick to his word.

"When I took over the club,I vowed to get a champion and a home show as a tribute to Trevor. We've achieved the first and I would like to be able to see Dezzy defend the title in a home show in Blackburn."