Stubbs grabs gold to boost Olympic hopes

Thomas Stubbs shows off his medal.

OLYMPIC hopeful Thomas Stubbs struck gold for England in an international boxing tournament in Croatia which attracted competitors from 14 nations.

The 19-year-old, from Chadderton, posted two impressive performances to clinch top honours in the 48kg light-flyweight category.

After being handed a bye at the opening stage of the competition in Zagreb, Stubbs defeated Russian Victor Vereshghagin 8-3 on points before holding off Ivan Unguari 4-2 in the final.

The tournament win has given the talented teenager a boost as he prepares to defend his senior ABA title.

Stubbs, who trains out of Northside ABC and Hopwood Hall Boxing Academy, is in first-round action at the end of the month.

He is hoping to repeat his success of last year when, after entering the prestigious competition just to gain valuable experience, he ended up defeating Hertfordshire’s Ben Fowle by a clear-cut margin in the final at York Hall, Bethnal Green.

Stubbs’ rise to prominence in the amateur ranks has attracted the attention of the Great Britain selectors for the London Olympics in 2012.

He attends the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield, where his progress is monitored by GB officials.

It is a busy time for the former North Chadderton School pupil, who will once again don England colours in Albania next month.