England call-up for Hughes

JOE HUGHES has been controversially called up to represent England at a Three Nations boxing tournament in Edinburgh later this month.

Hughes has been selected ahead of regular England international Ronnie Heffron, the boy who beat him in the recent Junior ABA Final in Liverpool.

Many in the sport feel it is simply justice for Malmesbury ABC's Hughes, who has not received an England vest since 2006 when he won the gold medal at a similar tournament after beating both the champions of Scotland and Ireland.

There are also those who feel that Hughes, 17, should have been given the points decision over Heffron in their epic encounter.

Having been looking at a summer away from boxing, and the possibility of picking up some part-time work, Hughes is now back hard at it in the gym as he builds up to the international showdown on June 26 and 27 at Edinburgh's Portobello Town Hall.

"I had a week off after the Junior ABA finals, but then some rumours started on a boxing website that I might have been selected and that was confirmed when I got the letter from the Amateur Boxing Association," said Hughes, who faces two contests in two days at the triangular contest with Scotland and Wales.

"I guess it is consolation for losing the ABA Final and another chance to prove myself to the England selectors.

"I'd love to make the team for the Commonwealth Youth Games at Pune, India, in October