Xbox, Worksop’s Smith ready for England Boxing National Youth Championships 2019 shot
February 25, 2019 | by Matt Halfpenny
Xbox Boxing Academy, Worksop’s Leon Smith can’t wait to begin his quest for glory at this year’s England Boxing National Youth Championships 2019.
Smith, 17, boxes in the 65 to 69kg category and will contest a regional pre-qualifier this weekend hoping to win a place in the national quarter-finals, which will be staged at the Spiceball in Banbury, Oxfordshire a week on Friday (15th February).
Should he have a successful run, he will also hope to take part in the semi-final stages on Saturday 16th February and finals on Sunday 17th February.
“I’m really looking forward to taking part in the England Boxing National Youth Championships, and I’m feeling confident,” said Smith. “It should be a good tournament for me this year.
“I’m looking forward to competing against new boxers, as all the other ones I’ve faced before have moved up to new weights or age groups.
“There will be new people for me to try to beat, so I hope to be at the top of my game. I’m looking forward to boxing some of the top boxers in the country because it will show if I am ready to be at that highest level.
VIDEO: Watch Leon’s preparations for the England Boxing National Youth Championships 2019
“It’s a tough sport, but I’ve always enjoyed being involved in a good battle. If I could get through to compete at Banbury, it would be fantastic, as I know it’s a very good venue.”
Xbox Boxing Academy coach Chris Boyle has high hopes for Smith, who he says has been eager to improve during their time at his Dukeries Way-based club.
“Every year when it gets close to the dates of the England Boxing National Youth Championships, the boxers who are going to be involved badger me as to when their bouts will be up,” he said.
“It’s the pinnacle and what they work for – the highlight of their season. They box in the Box Cup and club shows, but when it comes to the Championships, they all step up their game, and are in the gym a little bit more, so we hope Leon can go well.”
Follow all the England Boxing National Youth Championships action across our social media using the hashtag #EBNYC19
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