Dream England debut for Benjamin Whittaker
Darlaston's Benjamin Whittaker will see "a dream come true" when he travels to Denmark to make his debut for Team England.
The 17-year-old, who represents Steve O'Rourke's Wodensborough Boxing Club, will compete in an international contest against the home country on Saturday.
He will go up against his Danish counterpart at welterweight, for what he hopes will be the first of many bouts for his country, writes Craig Birch.
The National Ambition champion has spent most of the year in training camps for both Team England and Great Britain, after claiming his first title last December.
He nearly claimed a second national title in February's rebranded England Youth Championships, but was outpointed by seven-time national champion Jimmy Smith in the final.
But Whittaker has remained determined to break through the glass ceiling, with the option to step up to senior level next year if he so wishes.
He said: "Walking to the ring in the England vest will be a dream come true. It's hard to describe. It means everything to me. There's no higher honour than representing your country.
'I've won titles for my county and now I'm focused on doing the same for my country.
"As a kid, you grow up dreaming of representing your country and everything I've done up until now has been leading to this moment.
"My dad, Tony Wilson, and my trainer have always been supportive and told me that I could do it, so I'm looking forward to doing it for them, too.
"Some boxers make millions from the sport and go through their whole career without ever representing their country.
"But for me, it's an experience you can't buy and something I wouldn't swap for anything. I am grateful for the opportunity and I intend to take it with both hands."
Sentiment will play no part in Whittaker's game when he steps through the ropes on Saturday, as he prepares to set out for the lion's den from the Black Country tomorrow.
He said: "Of course, it's going to be a great occasion for everyone travelling, but we've got a job to do.
"The most important thing for me is that we represent England as best as we can and come away with the win.
"'It can be easy to get lost in an arena, or overawed by an occasion, and that's something I have been working on - the mental side of my game.
"Like anyone, I'm confident in my ability against anyone I come up against and I've worked hard for this. The only way I'm going to lose is if I beat myself - and that's not going to happen.
"There's a lot of talented fighters coming through in England and I know that I can't afford any errors if I'm to keep my place."
