FORMER Hautlieu student Mahmoud Farag, studying engineering at Bath, has passed his university boxing exams with flying colours – and received a call-up from England.

The 19-year-old, who boxed twice for Jersey Leonis, has made great strides in novice boxing, lifting the English Universities championship last December, then reaching the final of the British championships in March, losing a close points decision to Si Shields of Edinburgh.

And his performances, achieved under his own steam with no coach or club to help him, have been recognised by the England Universities team who have called him up for a European International tournament for the Haringay Cup at the Alexander Place in May.

‘It’s great to get a call from the England Universities team and I’ll be going to train with them at a camp after the Easter holidays,’ he said. ‘And in the meantime I’ll be calling into South Hill as often as I can.’

• Picture: Mahmoud Farag (19) at South Hill gymnasium earlier this week. Picture by Tony Pike (0060860)