Morecambe boxer Birchall heading to Russia for European Championships

William Birchall, the only North West fighter to be selected for the nine-strong England side, will go for gold in the 46kg division.

The 14-year-old former Skerton ABC fighter, now with Blackpool’s Sharpstyle Gym, is the cousin of unbeaten resort professional Isaac Lowe.

Birchall looks to be following in the footsteps of the Westgate Warrior having won the English Schoolboy title back in May.

Coach Andy Abrol, who runs Sharpstyle, said: “William is one of the most talented and dedicated youngsters around and his call-up to England is well deserved.”

Birchall will also head to Russia having won gold at an international competition in Copenhagen, Denmark, at the weekend.

Two other Morecambe fighters were also in action as part of the Sharpstyle team with Williams’s younger brother Nelson winning gold and Jimmy Mason silver.

Three other boxers from the Blackpool club, Frank Vary, Jake Abrol and Sonny Coates, also made the trip.

Now all eyes are on the European Championships, a nine-day tournament in Anapa, Russia at the end of the month.

Birchall, who will fly out on October 30, has seen his trip supported by Blackpool businessman Ged O’Mahoney.

O’Mahoney, a big supporter of the Fylde boxing scene, runs property firm Go Developments and has picked up all of the youngster’s father’s travelling expenses.