A BOXER has vowed to reach the top following the death of his brother.

Michael McKay, 27, was left stunned when Daniel, 31, took his own life last February – but says the tragedy has left him with “no fear”.

The amateur heavyweight now holds a photo of his brother before every fight, and the strength it brings him almost led him to a national title and England's number one spot last month.

In the three-day Elite boxing ABA championships at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, he was narrowly defeated on points in the final by Ricardo Slue – although some thought he should have won.

He has now had the call-up from the national team, and stands to take his revenge at the GB Three Nations competition in Rotherham next weekend.

“To be number one would mean everything to me and to my family and coaches,” said Michael, who lives with partner Lydia and their 20-month old son Lucas in Bluebell Close, Huntington.

“I was devastated to lose in Liverpool after I’d done so much.

“My coaches thought I’d taken it but it’s just one of those things. My brother used to say to me: ‘When you lose, just keep going’.”

Michael said a relationship breakdown had taken its toll in Daniel, but he thought his brother had been on the mend.

“We were really close, like twins. He was just like me,” he said. 

“I couldn’t believe it when he did it. I thought he was doing OK and getting his head clear. 

“It was a crazy shock and nothing I ever saw coming in a million years.

“It has spurred me on, and kind of given me no fear. Every time I fight now I have a picture of him in my bag and I hold it before I go into the ring.”

Michael said he had started to receive interest from sponsors and is training intensively for the upcoming competition and ongoing trials for the British team, which could possibly see him go to the Olympics in Rio.

“To be recognised is overwhelming,” said Michael, who is currently the second best heavyweight fighter in England, with the North West and North of England titles to his name.

“One minute you’re ordinary, the next you're hitting the big time. It’s a great feeling. I want to be number one.”

He said he would consider turning professional, but not until he had built his profile with some big titles.

“A lot of people turn pro when they are simply not good enough,” Michael said. “I don't want to be a journeyman. If I go pro, I want to get to the top.”

Michael, who runs his own personal training business and names Joe Calzaghe and Lennox Lewis among his boxing idols, currently has 20 fights to his name with five losses.

He thanked his coaches Derek and Amanda Groarke, at Hook & Jab boxing gym in Warrington for their support.