Packing a punch! Teen boxers at Junior Euros
LEICESTER STARS IN ENGLAND SQUAD HEADING TO SARAJEVO
TWO teenage Leicester fighters have been selected by England Boxing for the EUBC Junior European Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia, next month.
The line-up comprises 17 talented boxers and five reserves who are set to undergo rigorous training, including six dedicated camps, in preparation for the prestigious event.
Sixteen-year-old southpaw Thabiso Moyo, who trains at Leicester Railwaymen’s ABC club, will be fighting in the under 75kg category.
She said: “I’ve put a lot of hard work, dedication and consistency into this – that’s what’s got me here.
“It’s been my dream since I was ten years old to get on to the England team, now I’m here it just shows what hard work can do.
“My mum was over the moon when she found out and that’s the reason I’m doing it, I want to see her happy and proud of everything. It’s my goal.
“She’s always there at all my fights cheering me on, you can always hear her!
“Back at my club in Leicester, the kids look up to me.
“I’m grateful for that and now I can inspire other young girls (like me) who want to get into boxing... if you just put your mind to it, you can do it.”
Beauchamp College student Isaac Huczmann, of Clarendon Park, who trains at the Leicester Lightning amateur gym, will be fighting in the under 57kg category.
He said: “I’m obviously really proud of myself for getting here, I’d like to thank my coaches at Leicester Lightning for everything that they’ve done for me, I’m over the moon for making the team.
“I originally got into boxing because of my older cousin (Vinny Huczman) doing it, he won two European bronze medals at the time and because of that my dad put me into the sport and it’s taken off from there really.”
Headlining the England team will be the reigning Junior European Champion, Humza Malik, from Repton Boxing Club, who is determined to defend his title.
Malik said: “It’s a big achievement being selected for the Europeans and representing my country at a major competition again.
“All the hard work begins with good preparation to get me and my team members ready to bring back medals.”