THE EUROPEAN Youth Championships may have come too soon for Lewis Williams, but the Leamington boxer impressed the national coaches while on England duty over the Easter weekend.
While most people enjoyed Easter weekend with family and friends, Williams was in Sheffield working hard with the England squad preparing for international boxing.
The 17-year-old had hoped to make the squad for the forthcoming European Youth Championships in May with ten places up fro grabs at each weight level.
All the best boxers from around the country were invited to attend the training camp in Sheffield where Williams pushed for a place in Latvia.
But the England coaches decided not to enter a fighter for the 91kg category and instead they are hoping to provide the young boxer with international experience before using him in major tournaments.
Coach Edwin Cleary said: “There were ten places up for grabs one at each weight but no guarantees that all places would be taken.
“Lewis didn’t make this tournament but the feedback we received was great. They thought he hadn’t had enough experience and wasn’t really pushed in the sparring.
“It’s looking very exciting for Lewis and they (England) have a plan for him which will involve him attending squads in Sheffield over several weekends throughout the year.”
There was more good news for Clearys Boxing Club this week after Danny Quartermaine was selected to attend an England senior squad get together later this year.
Quartermaine only turned senior three months ago and is hoping to be in action this weekend at the Elite ABA Midlands Championship where he is likely to cone up against last year’s national runner-up Jack Wood.
Elsewhere, Morgan Ansell will have to wait for her shot at the National Junior title following Sunday’s surprise postponment.
The 14-year-old is the latest talent to emerge from the gym and was expected to face 2015 finalist Jacey Birch in the 44kg junior Elite National Final in Portsmouth this Sunday.
England Boxing are now looking to find a solution to staging the finals at a later date.
