Sheffield boxing prospect ready to go for European status

Seventeen year old Mykyle Ahmed has taken the UK amateur scene by storm in the past four years.

In that time, he has won schoolboy, youth and boys' club honours - fighting older and more experienced opponents along the way - and this month became Great Britain champion at the prestigious Tri Nations tournament in Wales.

His gold medal there should stand him in good stead for the European Championships in Bulgaria in September, if selected.

The Longley College student is keeping his feet on the ground, though. While he has been inspired by Manor Boxing Academy gym-mate Shakiel Thompson, who has made a sensational start to his professional career, he hopes to compete in the Olympic Games before joining the paid ranks.

"I got into boxing for self defence" said Mykyle, of Burngreave.

"You can get in street fights, but if you box you get respect and it stops.

"My two elder brothers box and my dad wanted me to be able to look after myself.

"I was boxing as soon as I could walk really, I joined the Ingle gym but then moved to be trained by Roger Sampson at the Manor.

"Now I have had 33 fights and won 29.

"The Tri Nations was my biggest achievement but I am making steady progress and working hard."

Mykyle said the Bulgarian show would represent a huge opportunity to display his burgeoning talents.

"I am getting recognised in boxing already but that is a very, very big stage, one of the biggest you can get for an amateur. It's a big deal, all I have dreamed of so far.

"I want to keep in the amateur sport until after the Olympics.

"I'll probably turn pro when I am about 20 or 21."

The Floyd Mayweather fan says he has an elusive style himself and also has some elements in common with Thompson, the Adam Etches prospect with a big KO punch.

"Shak is a very big inspiration, he is showing me the way - he's had three wins and three KOs.

"I want to follow the way he has got a promoter and moved up the ranks.

"Roger Sampson (coach) has been a key help for me too - he believes in me and is why I have got to where I am."He said he hoped Sampson would train him when he eventually turns professional.