March boxer is one of the brightest prospects on the amateur scene after Senior National title glory at Derby
It can take a lifetime to build a reputation in boxing and moments to lose it.
But at the age of 18, Harley Burrows already has the standing of being one of the hottest prospects on the amateur scene.
The Murrow-based fighter etched his name alongside some of the sport's greats, such as Nigel Benn, Joe Calzaghe, and Carl Froch, by winning the 2025 England Boxing Elite Senior National Championship title in the under-75kg category last weekend.
Dave Cole, Harley's coach from March Boxing Club, said: "Harley is one of the youngest-ever boxers to win a middleweight senior national title, so it is an amazing achievement.
"The youngest was Randolph Turpin, aged 17, in 1947, and he went on to win the World Middleweight title from Sugar Ray Robinson.
"Harley still has a lot to learn, but what has impressed me is the way he has adapted to his opponents' different styles through the championships.
"He was never phased when boxing men at this level."
Cole added: "Harley has been a big inspiration to all of the boxers in the gym, showing what you can achieve if you put in the work.
"There is a real buzz about the place and everyone is training hard, wanting to be a champion. For the coaches, it has been so rewarding to see him win a national title.
"We'd like to thank everyone who came along to support him throughout the championships."
The teenager's journey to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary - but four years ago he hadn't even stepped into the ring.
Hailing from a family full of sporting pedigree, Burrows was playing rugby for Northampton Saints in his early teenage years.
It wasn't until Covid arrived that he swapped his rugby boots for boxing gloves.
Last year, he dominated the National Youth Championships, winning the under-75kg category for a third time with a unanimous 5-0 decision. Burrows made the transition to senior level look easy by continuing his winning streak and capturing his first victory shortly after moving up.
He travelled to Nottingham for the Senior ABA quarter-finals, where he won a unanimous decision against London champion Tevin Thompson, from Repton.
A week later in Derby, he showcased his prowess in the semi-finals by defeating the reigning champion Marc Haughan in a closely contested bout.
He then secured the championship with a decisive 4-1 split decision victory over Chris Mulunda.
"In the final, I knew it was going to be a hard fight," admitted Burrows.
"I recently fought him before, he was awkward and strong and was very good to get to the finals.
"I had to be very wary as one shot in boxing can end it, but every fight I go in with confidence, as you can’t go into any fight half-heartedly.
His ascent in the ring has been swift and impressive.
"This title meant everything to me because of how hard I trained for it," he added.
"I gave it everything in training to be ready for the event, so it was hard-earned.
"As a young fighter, I think this title is my best achievement to date, due to my age and with it being my first year in the competition.
"Boxing against full-grown men made it much better, as I haven’t reached my full strength as a man yet."
The young middleweight has designs on boxing for his country and at the end of next month will box at a Home Nations event.
"I would love to box in a few international competitions, doing different countries and getting the most experience I can while I’m still amateur," said Burrows, who spent the weekend having England and GB assessments in Sheffield.
"I will definitely be turning professional in the future, but not yet, as I want to achieve my full potential first.
"The aim is to try my hardest to represent my country and win a few gold medals."
With his rapid rise through the ranks, Burrows is poised for a bright future in the sport.
