LOCAL amateur boxer, Jacob Gabriel, has agreed a sponsorship deal with Basingstoke College of Technology (BCoT).

Jacob has been boxing with the Basingstoke Boxing Club for five years. His performance in 2014 saw him in the top five in the country in his category, light welterweight, following four wins in the ABA Boxing Championships.

Jacob’s links with BCoT go back some years and he first came to the college to do a barbering apprenticeship.

He said: “I really enjoyed my time at BCoT and it set me up in my career as a barber.

“Boxing has to fit around my work commitments but it’s a great job with flexibility.

“I’m really thankful to the college for all the help they have given me.

“Last year they were kind enough to pay for some of my kit and I’m really grateful for their support again.”