JASON Welborn hopes being named Halesowen News Sports Personality of the Year is just the start this January.
The 27-year-old welterweight came out on top of our online poll after hundreds of fans cast their votes.
Paralympic double medallist Helen Scott came second, with Olympic gymnastics hero Kristian Thomas third and wheelchair tennis star Jordanne Whiley fourth.
But while Welborn was delighted to emerge victorious, he has bigger things on his mind, with his British title showdown against Frankie Gavin next week.
He said: “It’s great to win.
“It’s really nice to get the recognition and to know people are behind you.”
Welborn enjoyed a fine year, twice defending his Midland Area crown with knockout wins over James Flinn and Scott Haywood.
Welborn polled 42 per cent of the vote, while para-cyclist Scott, who won silver and bronze medals at the London Games, finished second on 30 per cent.
Thomas was third with 20 per cent, while Whiley polled seven per cent.
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