BUSTER Stevens says he will never give up on his dream of becoming a boxing champion - after getting some inspirational words of advice from boxing legend Nigel Benn.

Stevens, 20, from Canvey Island was in action in West Sussex at the weekend when he took on local fighter Luke Pearson in his bid to claim the Queensbury Boxing League’s vacant regional featherweight title.

And, despite losing out to Pearson in what many at ringside have called one of the best fights of the competition’s season, Stevens is more determined than ever to get straight back in the gym and follow his dream.

“Meeting Nigel and his son Connor was an amazing experience and they gave me some good feedback from my last fight which really lifted me, said Stevens.

“Straight after the fight I felt like throwing in the towel on boxing as I thought I’d let people down.

“But the feedback from everyone that watched the fight telling me it was the best fight they had ever seen has made me more determined than ever to get straight back in the gym and train even harder.”

And Stevens was also boosted by the support of those closer to home.

“The support from all my family and friends has been amazing,” said the youngster. “Even though I didn’t come back with the title this time, I’ll be back in the ring soon and winning titles”

Stevens will now head back to train at the SS8 gym on Canvey where coach Diana Sigston remains delighted by his progress.

“All the coaches at SS8 fight school are extremely proud of what Buster has achieved in such a short time as he moved up to another level fighting one of the top shows,” said Sigston.

“Buster is a pleasure to teach and we know he will come back stronger and fulfil his dreams.”