A TEENAGE amateur York boxer is hoping to do the city proud as he showcases his talents on the European stage this week.

Luke Moore will be vying for the crown at the Junior European Boxing Championships in Slovenia, which begins today and ends on August 25.

The 14-year-old arrives in Eastern Europe with plenty of pedigree under his belt, having already won two Championship titles, and is being touted as one of the sport’s rising young stars.

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Trained by former professional boxer Henry Wharton at his gym off Blossom Street in the city, Luke is expected to take part in his first fight on Thursday following tomorrow’s opening round draw.

Luke, who first began training at Henry’s Gym aged 10, earned his first title at the National Schools Championships earlier this year.

Following in the footsteps of professionals including former middleweight champion Billy Joe Saunders and European silver medallist Luke McCormack, the teenage talent triumphed across five bouts against the top contenders in his weight division to take home the accolade.

That title led to Luke’s selection to represent England in the Three Nations Championships, held over two days in Wales. There, his talent shone through, and he went on to earn a gold medal with a faultless display in the final.

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The 14-year-old will be hoping to add to that silverware in Maribor this week, with his trainer hopeful that his exploits will only serve as proof of the time and dedication that he has shown for the sport.

“Not only is Luke a real credit to the gym and his family but he is also a credit to the city of York,” he enthused. “The dedication he shows to his craft is commendable, to say the least.

“Luke has proved and displayed time and again, true determination and magnificent boxing skills.

“We are extremely proud of Luke’s achievements and he deserves all the praise that comes his way.

"I'd also like to thank North Star Property Management for helping us to relocate Henry's Gym, as none of this would have been possible without them.

"Now, the gym is growing, and Luke is growing with the gym."