CHARD ABC middleweight Teaken Prior is gearing up his training this week in preparation for the biggest bout of his young career.

That comes on Saturday week (February 15) when he boxes in the semi-finals of the England Boxing Youth Championships in Portsmouth.

The 16-year-old apprentice plumber has such a reputation that he has yet to box in this year’s championships because all three scheduled opponents have pulled out of their bouts against him.

The latest opponent to concede was the Home Counties champion whose withdrawal gave Prior a clear run to the last four where he will face either the London or Eastern Counties champion.

Prior, who has won both his bouts this season, is one of two stars currently training with the Chard club.

The other is Paul Roberts, son of club coach Keith Roberts, who last year reached the ABA finals.

This season the 18-year-old featherweight has been upgraded to the Elite championships which get under way next month.

The club, which has almost 60 members, holds training nights every Tuesdays and Thursdays in Victoria Business Park.

For more details about the club call Keith Roberts on 07833/640467.