Williams fails to make the plane for the Europeans

Cleary's boxer Lewis Williams failed to sufficiently impress the England coaches when he joined up with prospective international candidates at a weekend training camp in Sheffield.
Lewis WilliamsLewis Williams
Lewis Williams

The England Talent Programme had ten places up for grabs for May’s Youth European Championships in Latvia, one at each weight.

However, Williams’ laidback boxing style counted against him, with coach Edwin Cleary also believing his lack of experience was a factor.

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But despite missing out on selection for the championships, Cleary says the door is still open for the heavyweight at international level.

“Lewis is their choice at 91kg but they thought he hadn’t had enough experience and wasn’t really pushed in the sparring,” said Cleary.

“No one at 91kg will be sent to the Europeans this year but they want to get Lewis some international experience before they put him into a major tournament.

“It’s looking very exciting for Lewis. They have a plan for him which will involve him attending squads in Sheffield over several weekends throughout the year.”

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Williams’ stablemate Danny Quartermaine has been invited to attend the next England senior squad get-together.

“This is a great opportunity for Danny as he’s been pushing the best since turning senior only three months ago,” said Cleary.

Quartermaine is in ABA action this Sunday, with a likely match-up against 2015 runner-up Jack Wood.

Meanwhile, Morgan Ansell’s 2016 National Junior final bout against Jacey Birchwas called off last weekend after safety concerns caused the cancellation of the Portsmouth show.

England Boxing are now looking to stage the finals at a later date.