RYAN Butler is hoping he has done enough to represent England in the boxing ring.

The undefeated Berry Boys ABC fighter won the National Junior ABA Championship 80kg-plus title at the weekend after stopping both his semi-final and final opponents.

It represented a successful defence of his crown after the 15-year-old Wickford pugilist took the title last year, and it has firmly put him in the spotlight with England selectors.

“I had a try-out with England a few months ago and after winning at the weekend they asked me if I had a valid passport,” said the Beauchamps School pupil.

“I’m hoping that’s a good sign and they will take me places but at the moment I’m concentrating on working in the gym and will see what happens.”

Butler already had the Essex and Eastern Region titles under his belt when he headed to Ponds Forge, Sheffield, for the semi-final on Saturday.

He defeated Hall Green’s Kyle Jelley with a knockout in the third round of their last-four bout, while Tigers’ Thomas Wilson defeated Barstable’s Mitchell Turner on a unanimous points decision to get a crack at the champion.

But the Tigers fighter was unable to earn his stripes against his Berry rival as Butler secured the win with a first round KO.

“It was really good winning the championship, especially as it was the second time I had done it,” added Butler, who was trained by veteran Berry coach Ned Quirey.

“I felt confident in my ability but I wasn’t overly confident about winning it again because I knew I couldn’t be complacent.”

Butler said he had watched Wilson’s semi-final to get the lowdown on his rival and when it came to Sunday’s final the Tigers fighter came out with all guns blazing.

“He came out fast and blew himself out,” added Butler. “Then the 10-second bell sounded and someone shouted ‘last 10 Ryan’. I got a good body shot in and that was that.

“I didn’t expect both my wins to come through KOs because I wasn’t looking for them.

“I had been practising body shots but it’s good to have a record for them because it’s rare to stop people with body shots.”

Butler also said he was pleased Billericay & Wickford ABC’s Rio Emmins had won the national cadet crown because it was good for south Essex boxing.

Coach Mark Quirey spars with Butler because the champion is a heavy hitter.

He said the teenager’s knockout performances have earned him the nickname Ryan “Bodyshot” Butler.

“Ryan has won all nine of his bouts and stopped five of his opponents. Four of those have been beaten by a left hook to the body,” said Quirey, who was in Butler’s corner for the final.

“He was blinding. It was a faultless performance and has got the England coaches looking at him.

“They said they will have to get someone in to spar with him, so we’re hoping he will get to represent England.”