AN 18-year-old Black Country boxer has flown out to Bulgaria to fight the “best in Europe” at the European Youth Championships.

Osama Mohamed from Lions Amateur Boxing Club in Brierley Hill will represent England in the 63.5kg weight category after receiving a late call-up from the reserves.

The late call-up came after the squad’s initial selection, Levi Barnes, failed to make the weight.

Lions ABC head coach Kev Dillon said: “When he got unlucky in the final so wasn’t selected and instead named as a reserve for the Europeans, most people would take their eyes off the prize – but not Osama.

“He stayed determined and on weight; so when Levi, the original pick, couldn’t make the weight, Osama was more than ready.”

Osama, from Halesowen, was scheduled to represent England at last year’s European Youth Games only for the team to have to withdraw due to the pandemic.

Brierley Hill councillor Adam Davies said: “Osama has persisted and worked so hard for this opportunity, and finally that hard work has paid off.

“He’s a real role model here at the club and I hope his journey will inspire other local sportsmen and sportswomen from across Brierley Hill and the wider Black Country.

“We all wish him the best of luck in Bulgaria – he’s earned it.”

Osama's fight is expected to take place on Friday April 15.