Team GB boxers build on their success by Tom Walker Feb 2nd 2008

Britain's best amateur boxers (collectively known as Team GB) are at present honing up their skills in preparation for the Beijing Olympics in both Bulgaria and Ireland. The boxers in Bulgaria are boxing in the “Strandja” tournament in readiness for the next Olympic qualifier in Pescara, Italy. Khalid Yafai, Billy Joe Saunders and Stephen Simmons all face Cuban opposition in Bulgaria. Tom Stalker meets a Georgian Olympian. James DeGale will box a Turk or Russian following a bye and Chris Jenkins has drawn a Ukrainian. This will be a stiff test for the team for the potential Olympians, since the Cubans didn't send representation to the World Championships in Chicago possibly fearing defections. Obviously Bulgaria doesn't hold as many attractions as the “Windy City”, hence the appearance of the world's best amateur nation. Meantime, the existing qualified boxers and some potential boxers are taking part in a training camp in Dublin with both Ireland and France's best boxers. The trip is of particular significance to Stephen Smith and Neil Perkins who are still in the mix for selection for the GB team competing in Pescara. George Groves is a reserve middleweight for Pescara so needs to stay in shape in case anything happens to his club and England teammate James DeGale. The two Prices and Butler have both been selected to go to Pescara and will be looking to sharpen up before the Olympic qualifier. Especially David Price, who broke his hand whilst on the verge of qualification in Chicago back in November 2007. Michael Maguire, having recently, broken in to the top squad is looking to amass more international experience. Gavin, Jeffries and Saunders have all booked their places to Beijing and are in attendance as they look to get back to full fitness before their first planned competitive outings in March. GB Head Coach Terry Edwards: ‘Sometimes joint training and sparring can be more beneficial to a boxer than tournament competition. That is why I decided to send a relatively big squad to Dublin at this stage in the preparations for Pescara. The Irish and French Olympic hopefuls will provide a stern test for the team.' The team is being supported by GB Coaches Nigel Davies and David Pocknell. EIS physio Dawn Borland is providing medical cover.

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