Commonwealth target for Benjamin Whittaker

The 17-year-old, who fights for Steve O'Rourke's Wodensborough Boxing Club, impressed on his international bow in Denmark last weekend.

One of two youth fighters in the squad, Whittaker stepped through the ropes with Said Yilmaz and took control of the contest in convincing fashion.

He also forced his 69kg rival into a standing count during the second round, after pegging his opponent back with a two-handed punch flurry which saw his gloves touch the canvas.

His victory helped a new-look England team to an 8-2 victory over their Danish counterparts, so Whittaker's name should be in the minds of the selectors when they name their next line-up.

He said: "It was a great experience and it was good to get my debut out of the way. To be honest, I wasn't nervous, even when maybe I should have been.

"When we were announced to the crowd, my opponent got the loudest cheer as I think he was from the area, so I knew I would have to put on a good performance to get the decision.

"I am always confident that, if I box to my potential, I will be difficult to beat and to do so by unanimous decision shows it was well deserved.

"I was happy and so were the coaches. To represent my country was a massive honour and I can't wait to do it again."

The National Ambition champion won't get the chance to claim another title in that tournament this year, as the competition is set to become defunct in the England Boxing re-brand.

He nearly claimed a second national title in February's England Youth Championships, but was outpointed by seven-time national champion Jimmy Smith in the final.

Whittaker and Smith could be vying for the nod when the Commonwealth Youth Games com around next September and could meet again in the England Youth Championships before then.

Meanwhile, the Black Country stylist will take part in a keep busy fight on his club's home show next month, with further Team England and Great Britain training camps also to come.