Boxing: Weaver moves up London ladder (From Thisisdorset)

Boxing: Weaver moves up London ladder

7:00am Tuesday 8th September 2009 in Sport By Ian Wadley

YOUNG boxing star Iain Weaver has seen his London 2012 dreams move a step nearer to becoming reality after being upgraded to join Great Britain’s elite performers.

Ferndown-based Weaver is England’s top amateur featherweight and he has been tipped as a medal prospect when the Olympics come to these shores in three years’ time.

And the 19-year-old’s impressive performances in the ring have now seen him progress through Britain’s boxing ranks to join the Podium Squad.

“He’s been in the GB Development squad for a couple of months and has now been upgraded to the Podium Squad,” explained Iain’s father Jay.

The news comes hot on the heels of Weaver’s latest success – after he returned home from an international competition in Finland with yet another gold medal.

Dad Jay explained that being in the Podium Squad would provide his son with an opportunity to compete in qualifying tournaments in a bid to book his spot at the Olympics.

“He’s on course for the Olympics,” said Jay.

“You have got to qualify for 2012, but he’s now in the Podium Squad to do the tournaments. It’s another step on the ladder for him.”

Weaver, who fights out of the Golden Ring club in Southampton, rose to prominence after claiming gold in the Commonwealth Youth Games last year.

After winning the ABA featherweight title in May, Weaver was described as “the best prospect I have seen for a long time” by former world amateur champion Frankie Gavin.