A YEAR ago, Jake May was a relatively new convert to boxing, with less than six months in-ring experience.
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Today he is a two-time Victorian amateur champion, after claiming his second title in 12 months in Melbourne on the weekend.
On Saturday, the 14-year-old defeated Melbourne fighter Nick Marinos at the Reggio Calabria Club to earn the state 48 to 50 kilograms junior championship.
It followed a win over the same opponent last September in the junior 46 kilogram division.
The victory has earned May a spot on the Victorian team for Australian youth and junior championships in Adelaide in April.
His trainer Frank Pianto, from the Kangaroo Flat-based Pianto Boxing Academy, rated the youngster a definite medal prospect.
"He'll be representing Victoria now in the 48 to 50 (kg) division, which is obviously out of his weight a little bit, but this time round it's more about the experience," Pianto said.
"You have to have a lot of luck at these multi-day competitions - there could be two boxers from the same state who could be the best two.
"He could draw last year's Australian champion on the first night and you could fight well and not get the decision.
"But he's a definite medal chance."
May initially took up boxing at the urging of his older brother Hayden, who started training at Pianto's Calder Highway gym early last year.
While 17-year-old Hayden gave the training away, Jake and younger brother Tyler opted to stay on.
It's a decision the two-time champion has no regrets making.
"As soon as Hayden left, I thought briefly I might join him, but I quickly decided to push through," he said.
"I'm glad I didn't go."
His second title win did not come without its battles.
May was required to add two-and-a-half kilograms to make the weight, which took a toll on his performance.
The modest youngster admitted he was proud of what he had achieved in his short time in boxing.
"Looking back, I thought I might have had two fights, but I've had six and won a couple of championships," he said.
"It's exciting, but hard to believe sometimes."
He praised the persistence and dedication of Pianto and fellow trainer Garry Austin, for helping achieve his goals.