Teenage Wolverhampton boxing star targeting second European title

Wolverhampton boxing star Lexie Walker has been given the chance to become a two-time European champion.

The 18-year-old tasted glory on the continent four years ago when she won a European schools title, writes Matt Bozeat.

And she will now aim to make it a double later this summer after being selected for the under-19 championships in Serbia.

Walker’s call-up followed an excellent run of form which has seen her win titles on home soil and overseas this year.

The Wolverhampton ABC ace was named best boxer at the Golden Girl tournament in Sweden in February, before winning gold at the Portimao Box Cup last month.

She then made a quick return to the top step of the podium at the Four Nations championship following a stunning demolition of Irish No.1 Clare Crowley in the under-19s 60kg final.

Walker, at five feet five inches tall, made light of a considerable height disadvantage to pummel her opponent with a series of left hooks.

Crowley’s corner eventually threw in the towel after she had been given a third standing eight count in the final round.

Walker said: “I wanted to get out of the ring early – and it went according to plan. I’ve still only shown five per cent of what I’m capable of.”

The England call-up came after a successful assessment with the national coaches.

Reflecting on her progression since the schools title, Walker said: “I still have the same intensity and workrate I had back then, but I move my head a lot more now and body punching really works for me.”

Walker’s call-up continues a strong year for Wolverhampton ABC, which last month celebrated Ollie Cooper winning the English super middleweight title.