Former WBC Super Middleweight world champion Richie Woodhall has backed Shrewsbury boxer Robbie Sowdon to make a big splash in the sport – as the teenage sensation prepares for the biggest fight of his fledgling career.

Sowdon, of Shrewsbury Amateur Boxing Club, faces Lynn’s Victor Jennings for the under-54kgs novice ABA title at the Festival Hall in Nottingham tomorrow night – and Shropshire hero Woodhall believes he has all the qualities to prosper.

“Robbie trained with me when he first got into boxing and I could see immediately that he had a lot of potential,” said Woodhall, now 40 and working as a pundit for the BBC and Setanta.

“He was a quick learner and trained very well, but I could see that he he needed some amateur fights and a bit more guidance, so I passed him onto Brian Robb (Sowdon’s current coach) and he’s done really well.

“His workrate was always very good – he’s what we call a busy boxer. 

“He’s got fast hands and fast feet – if you’ve got those ingredients then you are going to do well, and I’m sure Brian has taught him how to avoid shots as well.

“I’m sure he’ll go professional one day but he might go for the Olympics first and the sky is the limit. I’m sure he will make a good pro, but let’s not rush it, he’s still only a kid in boxing terms.”

Builder-by-trade Sowdon, 19, out-pointed Newcastle’s Paul Gidney in his semi-final last Sunday to reach the showpiece final. 

Gidney led 2-1 at the end of the first round, but a 6-1 second round score in favour of Sowdon – from Leegomery in Telford – put him firmly in control and he eventually ran out a 10-6 winner.