'Dream come true' - Teenage Walsall boxer gets world championship call

A teenage boxer from Walsall has described a “dream come true” after being selected to represent England at the under-19 World Championships.

Kobe Clarke is part of the 14-strong squad which will travel to Budva in Montenegro for the tournament, which begins on October 14.

Wolverhampton Boxing Club star Lexie Walker is also part of the group.

Clarke’s call-up is the latest honour for a fighter who has built an impressive record in the junior and youth ranks.

The 18-year-old, who trains at Aldridge’s Wild Star gym under the guidance of former British lightweight champion Martin Gethin, has won two national titles and claimed gold last year at the prestigious Haringey Cup.

He received his first England call-up earlier in the year and promptly won on debut at the Four Nations tournament.

Though a wrist injury then scuppered his chances of selection for the European Championships, he has worked his way back to fitness in time for the year’s most prestigious event.

Clarke told the England Boxing website: “It’s a dream come true for me to be representing England at the World Championships.

“I competed in and won the Four Nations earlier this year and was in a really good place ahead of the Euros, only to pick up an injury at the selections that then ruled me out.

“Thankfully the recovery was quick, and I was able to train and rehab fully through the summer. That hard work has paid off with a place in the team for Montenegro.

“It’s been a dream of mine since I was very young to be an England boxer, and I can’t put into words how proud I am to wear the England vest again and to represent England Boxing, my club, and my family on the biggest of stages.

“The team have been working extremely hard through the prep period, and we are a solid unit and ready to show our very best performances when the tournament starts.”

Clarke joined Wild Star at the age of 10 and his achievements are a source of both pride and inspiration at the gym.

“Kobe’s a real role model to the younger boxers now,” says Gethin.

“He can tell them you can get to this level, you just have to put the work in and eventually the chances will come.

“Missing out on the Europeans earlier in the year was frustrating for him but he’s stayed focused and got his reward.”