A WATFORD boxer has been selected to compete in the England squad next year in the 48kg weight limit.

Becky Stone, 23, has worked her way up the amateur ranks and secured a spot after she attended an England trial last month.

The current National Development Champion, as well as a gold medallist at the Haringey Box Cup 2015, wants to keep progressing for her dream career.

“I can’t really explain being selected for England, I am delighted, and it is always something I have wanted to do,” she said.

“But I still can’t believe it, it is truly hard to put into words what it means to me.

“Winning the development championship, I had the same feeling as when I was selected for England.

“It was a big opportunity for me as we changed a lot in my training, but I have been to similar events and to win it was a big thing.”

The Watford Amateur Boxing Club member admitted she had many inspirations in the sport but Jack Bateson, who narrowly missed out on a spot at Rio 2016, has always been on her radar.

“I think all of the boxers at the Olympics are inspirations because you can see them progress from amateurs to professionals,” said Stone.

“But Jack Bateson is a boxer I have always followed. I have always liked his style and that is something I have wanted to emulate.

“But I will be right behind all of the boxers competing at Rio.”

Stone was described by her coach Steve Pearson as one of the most determined people he has ever met as she dedicates most of her time to training.

Stone said: “I would not be in the sport today if I did not want to turn professional.

“I want to make it to an Olympics. It has always been a dream of mine to compete at an event and I am very happy I have been included in the England championships because It can help me progress even further from where I am now so we are really looking forward to that when it comes next year.”

The Watford boxer competed in the Haringey Box Cup back in June but was unable to retain her gold medal.

She lost out in the semi-final to the eventual winner of the competition at the Alexandra Palace.