MOTOR mechanic Josh Holmes is just one step away from winning a coveted boxing award outright.

The 20-year-old from Earby boxer needs to make one more successful defence of the Yorkshire Amateur Boxing Association lightweight challenger belt, to make it his permanent possession.

The Eastburn Boxing Club starlet defended his title for the second time when he defeated Kyle Scully of Halifax on his opponent’s club show.

Holmes secured a comfortable points verdict with a determined display of boxing against his more experienced rival.

His coach Naz Jalil said: “The Halifax camp were confident that Kyle would win. Here was a packed hall for the bout, but Josh rose to the challenge.

“He kept his opponent on the ropes for long parts of the contest and I was really pleased with his performance.

“He has only had 16 bouts and is improving with each one. Our immediate aim for Josh is one more successful defence so that he keeps the belt. After that we will look at going for the ABA championships.

“It is important that we don’t rush things. Josh has a lot of ability and I am confident he can achieve greater things in the future.”