Second seed Teers eyeing GB spot ahead of elite debut

The relative newcomer to boxing came within reach – a 3-2 split decision loss in the final – of a development-level title last year, which set him up nicely for his progression into the elites.

Tomorrow he takes on Guildford’s Herbie Jackson at the quarter-final stage of the 51kg category in Rotherham, which he will follow up with a semi-final the following day if he wins. The NAC finals take place on Saturday week.

‘I am feeling confident but nervous,’ he said.

‘Being No. 2 seed is quite daunting – being the No. 2 favourite to win it.

‘I am taking it as it comes, and it’s a privilege. Training has been good and I’m feeling fit and strong.’

After last year’s fruitful campaign, he went on to seal silver at the prestigious Haringey Box Cup, of which he added: ‘It gave me the heads up that I am on the right route.’

Teers has also sparred with No. 1 seed Hamza Uddin, against whom he suffered a points loss in a competitive meeting in March 2022.

Winning would be a major achievement, but even making the final would earn him regular assessments with the Great Britain squad.

‘I really want to get to the final, that’s for sure,’ he added.

‘If I win the semi-final and get through, I get a GB place.’

Reaching a national semi is also a Commonwealth Games qualifying standard, although this year is too early – he would have to do so in two years’ time to make Victoria 2026 directly.

He has thanked father Neal Teers, both Ben and Tom Duff, and fellow Bailiwick star Le Poullain for helping him with his boxing.

He has also credited the strength and conditioning work provided by Josh Ozanne, who in the discipline of Muay Thai is contesting a British title this weekend at Guernsey’s long-awaited Lock-In VII.

• Coverage of Teers’ contests and the wider NACs will be available on multiple platforms, including BBC Sport and iPlayer, plus England Boxing’s YouTube channel.