Aston hoping to fire (From Halesowen News)

Aston hoping to fire

5:20pm Friday 5th February 2010

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DUDLEY’S Ryan Aston is moving ever closer to his Olympic dream after keeping his place in the British Amateur Boxing Association’s (BABA) provisional 11-man Development Squad.

The 18-year-old has been part of the squad for 12 months and is now entering his senior year.

Aston, who won two golds and a silver medal in competition last year, is hoping to be in form for the national ABA Championships which begin at the end of this month.

Paul Gough, Aston’s coach at Priory Park ABC, said: “We have got high hopes for Ryan.

“He has a lot of work still to do but is progressing really well.”

Aston made his first appearance for Priory Park in three and a half years in December, with the show at Baggeridge Sports and Social club attracting more than 200 spectators.

The development squad represents the the next stage of the selection process for the GB Boxing team that will compete at the 2012 Olympics in London.

The BABA has also announced a 21-man Podium Squad. All 32 boxers receive funding and train at the English Institute of Sport – Sheffield (EIS Sheffield) under performance director, Rob McCracken and his coaching and support team.

McCracken said: “We have a lot of talent and at this stage I am keen to have a larger Podium Squad than has traditionally been the case as I want to maintain a competitive environment.

“I want the established team members to know they have to keep improving to maintain their places and the up-and-coming boxers to feel they have something to aim for.

“This is not a closed shop and if someone performs well in competition and shows they have the ability and dedication to make the grade they can force their way in.”

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