‘Elite World’ call for Acocks Green pair

Walla Ali with Team GB’s Rob McCracken (left) and Max McCracken

ACOCKS Green fighters Matty Williams and Walla Ali are on standby for amateur boxing’s elite world championships.

That’s a monumental achievement for gym boss Craig Storer, pro coach Max McCracken and the rest of the team. There’s some real talent in the Birmingham club’s 25 strong squad of carded boxers.

Both Matty and Walla have been selected as reserves for the world championships, to be staged in Liverpool in September, despite being newcomers to the GB set-up.

McCracken said: “Matty’s not boxed for GB yet, so that shows how much they rate him up in Sheffield. And Walla’s a real talent, too.”

Super-heavy Williams – a big Birmingham City fan – has taken the amateur scene by storm. At just 20, he’s only going to get better and has his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The world championship news caps a dream season for both Walla and Matty and their club.

Acocks Green bagged a staggering three Tri-Nations titles. In the Cardiff competition, Matty struck gold at super-heavy, Walla, a 21-year-old of Yemen origin, triumphed at 48 kilos and Brayden Dyer, 16, won the 52 kilos junior tournament.

The three also gained a trophy cabinet full of national honours.

After big hitting Walla was crowned champion of England, Scotland and Wales, Max said: “She’s a real handful and now number one in Britain. She’s so strong and solid, which seems to be the way fighters from the Yemen are made. She reminds me of the Yafais. There must be something in the water over there!”

Max and Matty with former world champ Richie Woodhall

There’s certainly something in the water at Acocks Green.

Of all conquering Williams, Max said: “He’s just a one off, the way he does things. It’s hard to keep him out of the gym. He has a great style, he’s a likeable lad, people will take to him.

“He is a real talent. I’ve seen him (sparring) with the top pros and he more than holds his own. And I think, with his engine, he will suit the pros – 10 rounds and he’s hardly breathing heavy.”