Charlie is crowned the King of Sweden

Victorious Charlie at the King of the Ring tournament in Boras

CHARLIE Loughran – the tall heavyweight tipped for big things – has conquered Sweden.

The 19-year-old walked away from the King of the Ring multi-nations tournament, held in Boras over the weekend, with a gold medal.

Victory goes some way towards easing the disappointment of Charlie’s defeat – the first of his amateur career – in the final of the ABA national developments championships.

Hampered by a chest infection, Loughran was beaten by Oliver Hockney on a split decision in Cannock.

Within a week, the Toe 2 Toe ABC boxer had dusted himself off and was heading to King of the Ring, a tournament that attracted 500 fighters.

The Coventry hope beat a Londoner in Saturday’s semis and a Dane in the final, bringing his record to 16 bouts, 15 wins.

Coach Billy Parmar said: “On Saturday, the first round was close, but from the second Charlie got going and began putting his combinations together. He took it on a split.

“The Danish guy was a really tall guy, taller than Charlie. It was a good fight. The Dane took it to Charlie, but Charlie’s jab was really nice. He boxed well.”

Parmar believes Loughran can emerge a better fighter from the first loss of his career.

“I told him, your first loss can either make you or break you,” the trainer said. “He was hurt, disappointed and upset, but he got back on it.

“He was still not 100 per cent because of the chest infection. Some fighters are not 100 per cent and they want to pull out, but he’s got a different mindset.

“Sweden was wicked,” Parmar added. “There were fighters from all over the place. It was all very different and Charlie benefitted from three minute rounds.”

Parmar plans to add to Loughran’s repertoire through sparring sessions with established pros. The blueprint is more tournaments, more rounds, then a move to the professional ranks.