THE future of Welsh amateur boxing is being given the chance to build on its current success with the announcement of a 16-strong squad of fighters set to compete on the international stage.
The 2014 Elite Men, 2014 Elite Women and Future Talent squads, which include some of Wales’s most exciting talent, have been unveiled as part of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association’s (WABA) performance plan.
It all comes on the back of a hugely successful period for amateur boxing in the principality with Andrew Selby and Fred Evans having booked their places at the London Olympics this summer.
Those picked for the three squads will benefit from a support and development structure aimed at providing them with the best possible chance of winning medals under the guidance of head coach Colin Jones.
“The performance plan and the structures we’ve put in place are designed to arm Welsh boxers with everything they need to reach their full potential,” said WABA Performance Director James Thomas.
“From world class coaching, to sport science and medicine support from the Sport Wales Institute and a comprehensive competition structure, we want to ensure that those with the talent to follow in the footsteps of London 2012 athletes Fred Evans and Andrew Selby make it onto the GB programmes and potentially get selected for an Olympic Games in the future.”
As well as Selby and Evans, Wales already has a strong representation within the GB set-up with Commonwealth gold medalist Sean McGoldrick, Joe Cordina and Zack Davies involved in either podium or development programmes.
“A key focus within the performance plan is for Welsh boxers to win medals at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games, with the aim of becoming the number one Commonwealth nation per capita,” added Thomas.
“But we also want to be working closely with GB Boxing to ensure that Welsh talent is contributing to success for GB at an Olympic Games or World or European Championships.”
The programme for elite men is for those boxers deemed talented enough to win medals for Wales at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and beyond while the Future Talent scheme is made up of the next generation of boxers looking to replicate that medal success and move up to the next level.
The women’s squad is for female boxers in Wales capable of delivering medals for Wales at the next major Games.
Thomas added; “We’re in a unique position with the women’s side of the sport in that London 2012 will be the first time they are able to compete at an Olympic Games and we’re hopeful that Glasgow 2014 will be the first time for a Commonwealth Games.
“The talent we’ve got in Wales at the moment is phenomenal; the next stage for us is to ensure that we continue to identify those talented women to ensure we’re strong contenders for those medals.”
WABA 2014 Elite Men
Ashley Williams, St Joseph’s ABC Newport
Nathan Thorley, St Joseph’s Cardiff
Morgan Jones, Merthyr Ex ABC
Daniel Chapman, Llantrisant ABC
Jamie Evans, Dowlais ABC
Leon Goodman, St Joseph’s Newport
WABA 2014 Elite Women
Lauren Price, Gelliger ABC
Lynsey Holdaway, Llantrisant ABC
Rebecca Price, Cwmcarn ABC
Charlene Jones, Merlins Bridge ABC
WABA Future Talent
Romeo Romaeo, St Joseph’s Newport
Ricky Rowlands, Jones Gym Caerphilly
Jamie Viscount, Colcot ABC
Aled Cook, Gwynfi ABC
Kody Davies, Lion’s Den
Ben Crocker, Premier ABC, Swansea
Thursday 22 March 2012
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