BIG-PUNCHING York Boxing Club amateur Joe Hinds is destined for great things, according to head coach Billy Wilson.

The 21-year-old light-heavyweight stepped back into the ring recently after two years out of the sport and returned with a bang.

After winning a mini-boxing club event, Acomb-based Hinds totally outboxed Malthouse ABC fighter Warren Stephenson at Birdwell Sports Centre in Barnsley.

Wilson said: “Joe is a devastating puncher. He is the hardest punching amateur I have seen in a long time. He is awesome at the moment.

“In rounds one and two he outboxed Stephenson, who is a good fighter with a fantastic record and more experience. He was battering him with fast hands.

“In the third round, Joe hit him with a right hook to the body and doubled him up in pain.”

Wilson added: “He has come back to boxing late in the season after concentrating on football for a couple of years.

“Next season I can see him winning a national title. He is amazingly fit and does all his training at 100 per cent.”

Hinds’ next outing is expected to be on a bill in Leeds on May 19, when he could be joined in action by club-mates Felix James, 13, and 19-year-old newcomer Ollie Ward.