Joe Maphosa has put the 2016 Olympics at the top of his hit list after being taken on by the GB Boxing Development Squad.
The Middlesbrough ABC boxer is now training eight days a month with the squad in Sheffield after impressing in four separate trials.
And the 20-year-old former England junior international and 2012 senior ABA bantamweight finalist has wasted no time in putting Rio on his radar.
“I’m really determined to make the most of it and go to the Olympics and all of the major tournaments,” Maphosa said of his GB spot.
“Whatever experience I can get, I’m going to take it with both hands.
“There is no-one on the GB Podium Squad at the moment in my weight category after dropping down to 49 kilos.
“If I can make good progress and move up, I could be there in Rio definitely.”
Maphosa says all of the ingredients are in place at the English Institute of Sport for him to become a top class international boxer.
His first bout in GB Squad colours will be in the New Year.
“I’m at the right place to kick on,” he said. “There is everything you need at Sheffield.
“The coaches are great and there is a lot of one-on-one stuff which has helped me a lot already.
“With sparring and technical sparring, you can do 12 rounds in a day.”
Joe’s brother Alex, 19, lost to smooth in-and-out boxer Charlie Lynn in the November 2 Elite Development Finals.
But he said it’s only a matter of time before he follows in his footsteps.
“My brother has got good attributes,” Joe added. “He is a skilful boxer and as long as he wants it, he can make it. He will be following me.”
Middlesbrough ABC’s Muzzy Fuyana won his support bout at the Development Finals, beating Chorley’s Liam Garmory by split decision.
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