Wolvercote ace Mullins targets ABA triumph BOXING WOLVERCOTE'S Steve Mullins carries the hopes of the entire Home Counties as the region's lone finalist on amateur boxing's night of the year at London's ExCel Centre tonight.

The 24 year-old Witney-based middleweight is looking forward to climbing through the ropes to face James Degal, from the Dale Youth gym in West London, in his first ABA final.

"When you start boxing, you hope that one day it will be your turn to take part in such a big occasion and has finally arrived," said Mullins.

"But you must not become overawed by the surroundings - you are there to perform in the ring, just like your opponent."

Mullins is the second boxer from the North Oxford gym to reach the ABA finals over the last three seasons.

Lawrence Lewis boxed at bantamweight at the showpiece night in 2003.

And Faz Keyani, the club's chief coach, is convinced that it is only a matter of time before they gain their first national senior champion.

"We've been knocking on the door in the past few seasons, and have a group of boxers focused on winning titles," he said.