FEATURE: Father and son relationship key to Mansfield teen boxer Nico Leivars' success

Julian Leivars describes his son Nico as the perfect trainer.

Julian coaches Nico and says he is on the path to the heights that the squared-circle has to offer.

16-year-old Nico is fresh from winning a fourth consecutive East Midlands Championship.

The Stags Boxing Academy youngster had to overcome plenty of opponents in different venues before scooping yet another gong.

Julian told the Chad: “That was his fourth straight title there.

“He had to box twice in the space of five days.

“He was up against some of the top lads but his aim was to win the title there and that’s exactly what he did.”

In terms of his natural progression, Julian says motivating Nico is never an issue.

He said: “I don’t have to push him.

“Nico pushes himself.

“He is very driven.

“He trains six days a week and is always in the gym.

“He’s a dream to train.”

Although working with family can sometimes throw up issues, the pair insist that they have the correct balance between life in the gym and life at home.

Nico said: “I would like to thank my dad for all the work he does with me.

“He trains me six days a week all year round.

“He (and the other coaches) are not happy until its perfect and that’s what I love.”

That determination to chase perfection is flagged up by Nico’s impressive achievements.

He includes a GB championships gold medal, Monkstown International Cup gold medal, two-time national finalist, Midlands CYP Champion and four-time East Midlands Champion among his list of honours, as well as boxing for England twice and winning twice.

With a bright future in prospect, Nico is now looking forward to a possible appearance at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games in years to come.

And Julian says his attitude and talent means that is a distinct possibility.

He added: “Nico’s very goal-orientated.

“He sets his own goals and wants to get to the very top.”

- Nico would like to thank Mansfield-based sponsor Andrew Sutton and Dale McPhilbin, Carl Froch’s former amateur coach, who he trains with weekly.