Aston sets the Olympic standard
The Black Country could well lead the way in the boxing ring when the Olympics come to London for 2012 - if Dudley's Ryan Aston has his way.
The 18-year-old is part of the Team GB development team all dreaming of representing their country at the big event in three years.
As one of the few middleweights in the squad, Aston has burst on the scene and aims to keep up the big noises he has made already - as evidenced by his exploits in Lithuania this month.
He was crowned the European International Open Juniors champion after a 16-man tournament, coming through four fights as the winner, including the decision over Irish amateur champion Bernard Roe in the semi-final.
But it is only the Olympic dream that the teenager is interested in.
He said: "The Olympics means everything to me, that is what I am aiming for. I couldn't explain what it would mean to me to make it. To be there in London in 2012, it would be everything I have worked for.
"It's my dream to be there representing my country - I would give it everything I have."
The middleweight division Aston believes is his natural category, and few would argue with his success rate.
But it's not plaudits now that will secure his place on Team GB, it is continued success over the next three years.
The Dudley prospect is only too aware of that.
He said: "Being one of the few middleweights I hope will work to my advantage and, obviously with already being in the squad, I am right in the mix.
"But it's not just bang bang, I may be in there but only keeping up the good work I have been doing will keep me there. I have got to keep qualifying through the fights that I have to keep me in the position to make it.
"I need to keep high standards to get to the Olympics."
Aston's trainer Paul Gough is also adamant that his charge will not consider turning professional while an Olympic dream remains.
He feels his time is better served representing his country.
Gough said: "Ryan is not even thinking about turning professional at the moment, all he is concentrating on is the Olympics. That is where all of his focus is, and he has my backing with it.
"He has such potential and with the determination he displays to go with it, he can go a long way. It means so much to him."
