Olympic hopefuls leave Wolves ABC

Wolverhampton Amateur Boxing Club today posted their Olympic hopefuls back to Dominica after "the best preparation they have ever had."

Four fighters from the tiny West Indies island have been in the city training at the Horseley Fields club, while living with families in the area.

Now it's do-or-die time for Ozzie Jervier, Simba Mhondiwa, Rowain Christopher and Hewlett Lucien in their bid to reach London 2012.

They next join the rest of the Dominica boxing team in qualifiers for the Games, which will take his place next week in Brazil.

The Brazilians, the Cubans and the rest of the Caribbean forces are all involved and all are desperate to join their countries' Olympic squads.

Birmingham-born Trevor Nerwal, who used to train at Wolverhampton ABC, has been the brains behind establishing boxing in Dominica.

Now a property developer and living on the island, his links with the club have allowed him to send his fighters over to acclimatise to England.

The former national team coach is now an advisor to the set-up but the country have still yet to have a fighter qualify for the Games.

And ex-pro Nerwal insists if that changes this summer Dominica will have Wolverhampton ABC - and their club secretary John Thomas - to thank.

He said: "I am really grateful, nothing is ever too much for that guy and he has got a heart as big as a house.

"A lot of people have promised us things and nothing has ever come through, only John has stepped up to the plate.

"Here, it can be frustrating, everyone is so backward in coming forwards and things are so slow.

"It's so different out here, it's a very small island with small island thinking.

"The guys that have gone will have had the best preparation they have ever had, I hope they take everything on board.

"Becoming a successful boxer could change their lives, it's the discipline and respect it would give them.

"It's all in a punch - there was a few fights I wasn't supposed to win along the way.

"And, if any of them do get through, then it will all be down to Wolverhampton ABC."

Wolves ABC trainer Marcus Ashman has worked at close quarters with all four fighters since they came to the UK.

The 50-year-old from Pendeford Rise has been impressed with what he has seen, too.

The odds may be stacked against them, but Ashman believes there's enough skill between them to cause a shock.

He said: "I have been working closely with them and they are good boxers, strong and fit.

"Ozzie is quick and strong, while Simba is a more aggressive fighter who likes to come forward.

"Lucien is a brilliant boxer - he's got movement, speed and power. Rowain is another to watch out for.

"With him, it's his strength and his ability to press forward while remaining defensively strong."