Eltuyev prepares to make England debut (From Swindon Advertiser)

Eltuyev prepares to make England debut

8:10am Friday 6th July 2012 in Boxing

THE long wait for international recognition will soon be over for Walcot boxer Said Eltuyev, when he makes his England debut in the Three Nations schoolboy event tonight, writes DAVE VEYSEY.

The 13-year-old will represent his country at the tournament at the University of Glamorgan in Treforest, where he will take on the best boxers from Wales and Scotland in a bid to be crowned British champion for his age group.

The Churchfields pupil won the English Schoolboy Championship at class two (44kg) way back in February, but because the Welsh were late having their own national championship, the international tournament is being held very late in the season.

Eltuyev has struggled to hold his weight for the contest, but is thriled at the prospect of finally making his international debut.

“It's been tough to hold my weight to within one kilo of 42kg for over four months, but through hard work in the gym and eating the right things I have managed it,” he said.

“I feel very excited about the tournament, and I hope to do well.

“I would like to thank all the Walcot coaches who have helped me throughout the year, especially Harry Scott and Lionel McCrea, who have been in my corner all season.”

The stylish switch hitter originally came from Chechnya with his family when he was just a toddler, and has been training at the Walcot gym since he was seven.

His father Islan is a former Russian amateur star and a former Walcot coach, who now trains the professional boxers at Keith Mayo's Horseshoe gym.

Walcot chief coach Harry Scott knows the family well, and is looking forward to the event.

“This will be a great day for the Eltuyevs, I know Islan is very proud that his son is representing his adopted country,” he said.

“All at Walcot wish Said all the best, and we hope he brings home the gold medal.”

Wales will enter two boxers for the event, the champion and runner-up in their national championship, and Scotland and England will enter just their champion.

The semi-finals are on Friday with the final the following day.