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Langford's a step closer to his Olympic dream

Thursday, November 20, 2008, 07:00

CHRISTMAS will come early for Bideford boxer Tommy Langford this year.

On December 19, the North Devon amateur will proudly wear the England vest at senior level for the first time.

Langford has been selected for the England team to take on Germany at the National Indoor Arena in Birmingham.

And the ambitious 19-year-old is already focused on a bright future in the sport.

"Boxing for the senior England team is as high as it gets at amateur level," he said.

"My aim has always been to box at the 2012 Olympics and this has moved me closer to that.

"I've got four more years to train, and if I keep going the way I am at the moment, I can't see myself not doing it."

His appearance at the 7,000-capacity venue will come with added publicity, with the BBC expected to screen the international match.

As well as a keen following at Bideford ABC, the welterweight now has plenty of fans in the Midlands, where he studies at the University of Birmingham.

His senior England debut will be the culmination of eight years developing his skills in the ring.

"I started out when I was 11 years old, just going down to Bideford Boxing Club," said Langford.

"I wasn't the biggest lad when I was younger and initially I did it just to improve my strength and fitness for football.

"I always felt like I had a knack for throwing a punch and I really enjoyed the whole fitness side of it."

Over the last eight years he has developed his skills at Bideford with trainers Dick Kersey, Keith Owen, Bobby Ellis and Clive Whitmore.

Before his senior international bow, Langford will concentrate on two forthcoming bouts, including one with Michael Pardue in Droitwich this weekend.

"I've got to concentrate on these fights, make the weight and not get too distracted by the prospect of boxing on TV," he added.

The two-time British junior champion learned of his selection before last week's victory over Welshman Dan Clews in Birmingham.

The news was announced to an ecstatic Midlands crowd after he ended the contest via second-round stoppage.

Two trademark straight rights put the North Devon favourite in control towards the end of the first round.

And his speedy assault continued in round two, catching Clews with a three-punch combination.

Switching to the body, Langford delivered a huge left under the rib cage to send his opponent to the canvas.

Although he got to his feet after an eight-count, Clews was soon saved from a knockout as the referee stepped in.

Since starting his sports science degree, Langford has benefited from training with Hall Green's Frankie Gavin. The world amateur champion, who missed the Beijing Olympics when he was unable to make the weight, is set to turn professional next year.

A move to Manchester means Gavin won't be around too often, but Langford has already made great progress with his training partner.

"I've done a lot of sparring with him recently and I couldn't get a better person to spar with, he's the best in the world," said Langford.

"Anything you do in sparring, he'll pick up on and punish you if you're doing something slightly wrong.

"I have picked up more of an international boxing style in the way I fight, and it's really improved my speed and ringcraft.

"He's always said he really enjoys our sparring sessions and it's not all one-sided — I catch him sometimes."

Langford, a former pupil at Bideford College, made a rare appearance back in North Devon when he outboxed Torbay's Michael Jewell at Bideford's Pannier Market show in September. That was followed by a win against Lee Spencer at the Rotunda Club in Liverpool, when Langford was named best boxer of the night and impressed the England selectors.

Fans keen to see his senior England debut can order tickets from Bideford ABC on 07877 730986 or direct from the box office on 0844 3388000.

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Tommy Langford (left).

INTERNATIONAL DUTY: Tommy Langford (left).

 

   







Above: Sport success at North Devon College




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