Boxer Jack Bateson on how Sky Scholarship has ignited career

Inspiring a new generation of boxers, missing out on the Rio Olympics, preparing to be a pro and training with Anthony Joshua.

Jack Bateson's four years of being supported on the Sky Sports Scholarship has been nothing short of challenging and extraordinary.

The 23-year-old from Leeds reveals his inspiration from one former and one current world champion, his Rio frustrations and how Sky has prepared him for life in and out of the ring...

I felt a lot of pressure in my first year as a Scholar and maybe I was trying too hard to reach my goals.

Every time I had a setback, the pressure would build even more. But as it went on and I developed my support relationships - especially at Sky - I realised as long as I gave it my all then that's all I could do.

I knew the Sky Academy Scholarship team would support me as long I gave my best. That's been great to know and I feel I've matured and I now understand myself and the sport a lot more.

Even my efforts of trying to make the Olympics last summer was a good memory. I worked so hard and my dream didn't come true but with the backing of Sky I was able to give it everything and I couldn't have done any better.

The big disappointment was obviously not being selected for Rio. I felt like I didn't really get a fair chance. My opponent pulled out of one of my big qualifying fights and that still bugs me but I need to use that as motivation and fuel to the fire.

I'm going to be turning pro soon and I want to be a world champion. When one door closes, one door opens!

All my Scholar support through these challenging times was incredible. My mentor was Johnny Nelson and we spoke about losing my motivation. He watched me spar and he gave me some good pointers on making improvements, what I was doing right and it kept me inspired towards achieving my dreams.

Hearing about his past and going through his defeats and injuries made me feel loads better. Having a former world champion in my corner as my mentor over the last four years was amazing and really spurred me on.

We had some inspirational chats and he was always on the other end of the line to give me first class advice.

Tony Lester [head of scholarships] has also become a really good friend and has always kept me on track and motivated by supporting me and talking through my journey.

Being a Scholar has been an unbelievable opportunity. It felt so good to focus completely on my boxing knowing I could give myself the best possible opportunity. I was able to use the best training equipment, best facilities and it gave me the finances to help be the best I can be.

I've always had confidence in my ability and after a few defeats in my career I've known what I needed to improve on. The Scholarship has also really helped outside the ring with support like media training.

I used to be shy and timid with a camera in front of my face, but my experiences with Sky Academy and being on Sky Sports News, I've become very comfortable in front of camera, whether that's after a fight, during training or a general interview.

When I started as a Scholar my main ambition was to set a good example for other boxers and inspire those wanting to get involved of all ages.

Sky gave me a chance to get my message across to young and old males and females. Some have come back to me saying how I've inspired them - I've even had fans from France saying how they've enjoyed seeing me on social media and Sky. That's been a really nice feeling.

Travelling the world for fights has been a massive high for me during my Scholarship. I've been to places like China and Kazakhstan, and I've fought in European Championships and World Championships. I've won European bronze and two ABA national titles and I've loved every minute.

Seeing my fellow Scholars do so well has also inspired me. They have taught me there are people from many sports who also commit their lives to trying to be the best they can be.

It reminded me that there are people all over the world training just as hard as you and if you're not performing, then they will be there to take your spot. The other Scholars always kept me on top of my game.

Looking ahead, I need to stay motivated and stay on track. I've had a break out of the ring and now I'm just fighting for fitness. If I can keep improving I am 100 per cent sure I will win titles in the pro game and I'll have a chance to win a world title and take it back to Leeds.

I need to stay grounded though. I look up to Anthony Joshua who I used to train with. He's done massive things and is set to be the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

If someone so close to home can do it then why can't I? It's very inspiring and I'm just very excited about the future.

I just want to give a massive thank you to the Sky Scholarship scheme and say good luck to the next group of Scholars and tell them just to enjoy it!