LONDON’S calling for New-port boxer Fred Evans after he became Wales’ first European Amateur Champ-ionship winner in 86 years.

Evans, 20, tipped to be a major medal prospect in next year’s Olympic Games, was incredibly one of two Welsh winners yesterday with Andrew Selby, from Barry, also claiming gold in Ankara, Turkey.

The achievement for welterweight Evans caps off a quite stunning month for his St Joseph’s boxing club, arguably the most impressive in their almost 30 year history.

Evans’ triumph comes on the back of stablemate and close friend Sean McGoldrick being awarded a Commonwealth Games gold medal (upgraded from silver after his opponent failed a dope test).

And last week saw another St Joes alumni, Gary Buckland, become the first Welshman to win in Mexico as he limbers up for a British title challenge.

“It’s absolutely unbelievable, we’ve all been on cloud nine because of Sean getting the gold medal, but since then it’s beyond our wildest dreams,” St Joseph’s trainer Tony Borg explained.

“First Gary goes and becomes the first Welshman to win in Mexico and now Fred has won Wales’ first gold at the amateurs since I don’t know when.”

Evans has doubled up after being a junior amateur champion and is now being tipped for the rostrum at the London Olympics.

“London would be a dream come true for me,” he explained moments after capturing the title.

“Going to the Olympics is all I’ve ever wanted to do since I was a child. I watched Amir Khan at the Olympics (in 2004) and ever since then it’s been in my head that it’s what I want to do.”

As a junior Evans pretty much swept the board, winning the Welsh ABAs four times, the four nations tournament four times as well as achieving gold in the Common-wealth boxing championships.

However, Evans maintains that adjusting to senior boxing has taken a little bit of time.

“I’m early in my career in the seniors so when I moved up I was still in the same routine. I wasn’t fit enough for the Commonwealth Games, but I’ve got my head down and trained hard and got fitter,” he confirmed.

“Now I’m in training camps sparring with older guys and I’m really feeling the benefit and realising what I can do.”

Evans knew the pressure was on him in his final against Mamamed Nurudzinau of Belarus after Selby’s triumph moments before, but he followed his gameplan and won 15-9 to capture the continental title, regarded by many as the toughest amateur crown to win.

That point is emphasised by the last Welsh victor being Jack Rule, in Stockholm, in 1925.

“I watched Andrew’s fight earlier and saw he boxed well, but my coaches just told me if I boxed well I would follow in his footsteps,” he said.

“I had a very tough Russian in the semis then another tough fight in the final so I knew I had to be up for it, but everything went to plan.”

Having achieved a feat few Welshman have ever matched, praise for Evans and Selby – who beat Russian Georgy Balakshin – came from all quarters, including undefeated world champion Joe Calzaghe.

The Newbridge boxer, never beaten in 46 fights and a two-weight world champion, was thrilled to see another Gwent star making headlines.

“It’s a brilliant achievement and hopefully both the boys can go on and box at the Olympics and bring some medals back to Wales,” he said.

“It’s great for Welsh boxing and I am thrilled for them.”