Liam Davies out to extend super season

Shropshire's Liam Davies is ready and waiting in Bulgaria for the European schoolboy championships to start today.

The 14-year-old Donnington boxer has swept almost all before him in an incredible season that has seen him beat the very best fighters England, Scotland and Wales have to offer.

Dad Tristan, who represented Wales as an amateur, isn't surprised by the success.

He said: "Liam's been brought up with boxing - he was watching boxing DVDs when he was five.

"People talk about pressure, but there's no pressure with this tournament. If he's beaten, it won't make any difference to where he stands domestically. The real pressure comes when he defends his national title."

Liam is the fourth Donnington fighter to represent his country, following in the footsteps of Tristan and England internationals Yassar Naseer and, the best of them all, James Boyd.

Brian Davies said: "Tristan and Yassar didn't possess that special natural ability - they had to work at their game.

"James was naturally gifted and so is Liam."

Light-heavyweight Boyd turned his back on the game after gaining a senior ABA title and becoming an England regular.

"Liam is something special - there are club boxers and then there's another level, and that's not a knock at club boxers. Liam's on that other level.

"Liam's got the tools to win this tournament, but you need a little luck."

The championships in Yambol run from today too Saturday - if he becomes Shropshire's first European schoolboy champ, the party at Donnington Sports and Social Club will last a lot longer.

He is part of a seven strong England squad battling for medals, but the first Shropshire boxer to compete in the prestigious event.