TORO Croft Senior is one for the future according to his coaches after the talented young boxer made his England debut.

While it was losing start for the 14-year-old, who was beaten by a more experienced Welsh fighter, the family run Ribble Valley Boxing Club believe Toro can be a future national champion.

The Clitheroe teenager has only 13 fights under his belt but has already twice been a North West area champion and has now worn a coveted England vest in the Three Nations competition.

The club is run by Mohammed Sarfraz (Saf) and his two sons, Ihsan and Taj - and all agree that their is plenty more to come from the Ribblesdale High School pupil.

Toro travelled with the England squad to the Three Nations competition that was held in Motherwell where he was competing in the 40kg category. And despite the defeat, coach Taj said it is all part of the learning curve for the young prospect.

“Toro was up against a very experienced competitor but he showed great hand speed and fantastic footwork,” said Taj. “The contest was very close and full of action but, in the end, the decision went the other way.

“It was a very narrow defeat for Toro and while he was disappointed it was a great experience for him.”

He added: “This is a massive achievement for Toro and our Boxing club and also for the Ribble Valley.

“He is a great kid to train and he trains all the time.

“This just shows what kind of talent we are producing here at Ribble Valley Amateur Boxing Club.”

Head Coach Sarfraz has coached both his sons with Ihsan winning a regional title in 2010. Taj, now 41, boxed until he was 26 but has coached ever since and says Toro is one of the best fighters he has worked with.

“He is a smashing lad and always willing to learn,” he said. “He is very talented and the development officers for England Boxing have seen what he can do and wanted him in the team to represent England.

“Toro is definitely one for the future and we believe he can go on and win national titles.”