Megan to fight for England yet again
ALEX OLIVER is tipping his protégé Megan Bainbridge for medal glory as the young fighter prepares to box clever for England again, writes TONY HODGSON.
The 16-year-old from Chesterle-Street will win her 10th national call-up when she contests the Nations Cup event in Sombor, Serbia, from January 13-21.
Bainbridge, who fights at under48 kgs level, is part of a squad taking on countries from across the world at the nine-day event.
It is her tenth call-up for her country – the last being at this year’s European Junior Championships in Romania, where she reached the quarter-finals.
Bainbridge is a member of the
Durham-based Brandon Boxing Cub – and head coach Oliver believes she is in with a fighting chance of a podium place.
He said: “It is fantastic Megan is set to win her 11th England cap – many boxers only ever win one.
“On current form she must have a great chance of coming home with a medal – although it will depend to a large degree on who she faces in the draw.
“Gaining another call-up will be the perfect start to 2020 for her and I would not be surprised to see her do well in Serbia.”
Bainbridge – who attends North
Durham Academy – has been involved in boxing for six and a half years and 2019 was another year in which she packed an impressive punch.
As well as her fine run at the Euros, the teenager was also part of the Brandon squad – with Alfie Murphy and Grace Kenny – which struck gold at the Monkstown Box Cup in Dublin.
The teenager may yet be on the bill at Brandon’s final show of the year at Durham’s Meadowfield Sports Centre on Saturday.
The action starts at 1.00 and Oliver added: “We are really excited about the show.
“We could have 16 of our own boxers fighting.”