COACHES at Halstead Boxing Club are delighted with the exciting news that Senior Light Middleweight boxer James Blore has been asked to represent Essex and Billericay and Wickford ABC against an American select team in New York this week.

The event in the Big Apple is due to take place on Tuesday and coaches feel it is a just reward for Blore's progress this year.

Head coach George Cook said: “James has had an exceptional season this year, displaying fantastic skills and remarkable talent and he has improved in class under the watchful eyes of coaches Richard Groves and Paul Turner.”

Blore is excited about the prospect of fighting in America.

He said: “I can’t wait; I’m counting down the time and I am more focused than ever.

"I have been preparing for this bout for weeks and so far my training has gone well and my confidence will follow through to fight night.

"I have been doing loads of sparring at the Billericay and Wickford’s gym, sparring against eight or nine different opponents for the last ten weeks.

"I feel completely prepared and ready.

"It’s been great having this fight on the horizon and I like having goals and targets to work towards.

"I will also be meeting top amateur and pro boxers going round all the boxing gyms - it will be a good experience for all the team.

"I would also like to thank Team Halstead and everyone else who helped me raise the funds so I could go to New York.”