TALENTED boxer Ibrahim Shah faces his toughest test yet when he competes in the European Championships.

The Blackburn teenager is a member of Gloves ABC – the Bolton-based club set up by Amir Khan – and will represent England in Hungary on Saturday.

It is another step up for the 15-year-old but coach Colin Richardson believes young Ibby is good enough to go all the way to the top.

“At this stage of his career, it is all about enjoyment but the better you get the more intense it gets,” said Richardson.

“Ibby is an extremely talented young fighter and has all the attributes to go all the way to the top. He can be as good as he wants to be.”

The Witton Park pupil, who won the Three Nations title last year, narrowly missed out on winning the National ABA title in London recently.

But his performance was good enough to earn another chance to fight in an England vest.

“Whoever Ibby comes up against at the Europeans, they will be in for a tough fight,” added Richardson who coaches the youngster alongside Colin Carr. “Ibby is extremely good at reading opponents.

“So he quickly learns if he has to fight inside or fight at length.

“That is all down to his extremely hard work. He is a great boy to work with and is always willing to learn and he is progressing all the time.”

And Ibby flies out to Hungary with words of encouragement from Khan, the WBA World super lightweight champion.

Richardson added: “When Amir is in this country, he trains at the club and he trains with the youngsters.

“He knows all about Ibby and how talented he is. He is always willing to pass on advice and encouragement, something the likes of Ibby appreciate.”

Ibby, who is also a talented football, cricket and snooker player, took up boxing when he was just nine years old.

He joined Yaqoob Hussain’s Audley Amatuer Boxing Club before moving to Gloves ABC a few years ago.