This is England for young Myles Basford

Basford defeated his Scottish counterpart last weekend after being called up to box in a home international contest, writes Craig Birch.

The 15-year-old, who represents Rugeley Police at club level, had his hand raised in front of proud dad Kenny at Blackpool's Norbeck Castle Hotel.

England Boxing selectors had already ran the rule over him over two separate assessment days, in Tamworth and Leeds respectively.

Kenny got the e-mail to confirm he'd been picked for an England versus Scotland event and, the next thing he knew, Myles was in the ring to tackle Harry Peacock at 56kg.

The dangerous Peacock charged forward from the opening bell but Basford remained calm, operated off the southpaw jab and kept his opponent at range.

The left-hander slowly took charge of the centre of the ring and curried favour with the officials, who chose him as the victor on a points split decision after three, two minute rounds.

Myles said: "I really enjoyed the experience, I got to keep my England kit and they gave me a plaque to take home with me.

"I never expect anything. I thought I'd done well at the assessments but it was a still bit unexpected to get picked.

"To train full-time, even if was just for two days, was great. We'd spar twice a day around technical sessions, where you could only throw one type of punch.

"I felt like it was bringing me on and that's how I'll be working back in the gym at Rugeley from now on. I learned a lot.

"It's took me to a new level, I used to doubt myself but now I have more confidence in my abilities and I want to show what I can do all of the time.

"Anybody's dream when they start boxing is to become an Olympian and, after this, it doesn't seem like it's impossible. I've got my foot on the ladder and my name is starting to get about now."

Myles, who first laced on a glove at the age of five, steps up to the junior ranks next year with the England Junior Championships his main national competition.

He twice claimed area titles as a schoolboy, building up a record of 19 wins from 27 unpaid bouts, with two successes by TKO.

Kenny, an official with the British Boxing Board of Control and coach at Rugeley, works his corner for all of his club contests.

Myles said: "It's all about staying motivated and not getting distracted, which I'm going to make sure doesn't happen to me.

"I want to become the No 1 junior at my weight in the country and my dad has told me I can go as far as I want, if I keep working hard.

"Him and my mum, Victoria, have always been my main supporters and keep pushing me on to achieve things, even when I've thought about quitting."