Bainbridge set to pack a real punch at Euros
Coach tips Megan for top as she celebrates a GB call BOXING
MEGAN Bainbridge is in with a fighting chance of future Olympic glory after being given the chance to box clever against Europe’s finest, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 15-year-old from Chester-leStreet has been selected by Great Britain for the European Junior Championships in Anapa, Russia, from October 8-17.
It is a first Euro call-up for the North Durham Academy student, although she has represented her country in a tri-nations competition.
Bainbridge will fight in the 48kgs category.
Alex Oliver - head coach at her club Brandon ABC in Durham - is tipping his young protege for even greater things in future.
He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for Megan and will a tremendous experience for her.
“The Euros are a stepping stone to selection for the World Championships and the Olympics and there is no reason why she cannot go all the way to the very top.
“She is an outstanding talent for one so young and I can certainly see her competing at the Olympics in years to come.
“Megan recently went down to an assessment camp and everyone there was so impressed by her they immediately fast-forwarded her on to the England selection pathway. That is how good she is.”
The youngster, who took up boxing aged nine, will attend an England camp in Italy before heading out to Russia.
Her call-up follows her gold medal - for a third year in succession - at the Monkstown Box Cup in Ireland.
Bainbridge defeated England’s Kelsey Oakley - one of her rivals for GB selection - on a split decision in their 48kgs bout.
Oliver added: “It was a tough fight for Megan. Her opponent put everything on the line.
“The two of them spar together so they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses.
“It was a nip-and-tuck affair but in the end Megan’s class won through and I always felt she would win.
“She just went longer with her range in the last round and got in more punches and that took her over the line.
“To win gold for a third year is a brilliant achievement and one Megan totally deserves. Now she has the Euros to look forward to.”