A TEENAGE boxer capped a successful year by winning a silver medal in the finals of the Youth Women’s World Championships.

Georgia O’Connor, from Durham, travelled to India for two weeks representing England in a bid to take the world title.

After beating competitors from China, India and Chinese Taipei, the 17-year-old fought three rounds against two-time world champion Anastasia Shamonova, from Russia, on Sunday in the final, but lost out on the judges' scorecards.

Georgia said: “I was pleased with how I performed. I used to get really nervous before fights, I would sit and think what am I doing? But I’ve sort of matured a bit and I’ve realised that this is definitely what I want to do.

“I still get a bit nervous but I believe in myself. I just need to remember to do that and also to have fun because this is what I’ve always dreamed of doing since I was a little girl.

“I don’t let nerves get the better of me because I want to remember every moment.”

Georgia trains with her father three times a day every day at Durham Community Boxing Club during the lead up to a fight.

Her mother, Vikki Williams said: “We are so proud of Georgia. To even be selected is a massive achievement and to come away with a silver medal is absolutely amazing.

“We watch every fight from home and it’s always emotional watching her walk out with the England flag and all of the lights.”

The young boxer has had an outstanding year, striking gold at the Commonwealth Youth Games in the Bahamas in July after beating Naomie Pelletier of Canada.

This year alone Georgia has travelled to Miami, the Bahamas, Poland, Italy, Bulgaria and India for training camps and competitions.

The teenager now has her sights set on the European Championships in Italy next year, but not before a well-deserved Christmas break.

Georgia added: “It’s just amazing to think about how good I have it – to get paid to do something I love is just fantastic.

“And I get to travel to loads of different places that I probably wouldn’t go to on holiday. I managed to fit some sightseeing in in India and loved it, it’s an interesting place.

“I would like to thank the England coaches who came on the trip with me - Mick Driscoll, Amanda Coulson, Graham Alderson and the team manager Cliff Perkins.

“And also my mam and dad for all of their support as always.”