KEIGHLEY starlet Muhammad Ali is heading for Bulgaria next week to take part in the EUBC European Boxing Championships.

Ali has been picked for GB Boxing’s seven-man squad for the competition which runs from August 5-16 in Sofia.

The Euros are part of the qualification pathway for Rio 2016 and a top-six finish in his flyweight class would guarantee Ali a place at the world championships in Doha next month.

GB Boxing’s performance director Rob McCracken said: “This is a very talented group of boxers and the European Championships is an opportunity for them to demonstrate their quality.

“It will show they have what it takes to compete at the highest level and get to the Olympic Games next year.

“The fact that it is part of the qualification pathway for Rio is an extra incentive.”

Ali, who flies out with the team on Monday, is looking to bounce back from his disappointment at the European Games in Baku.

The 19-year-old lost in the last 16 to Vincenzo Picardi when the bout was stopped in the opening round after the Italian’s head caused a cut above his eye.

That exit, when he was tipped to go all the way, will add to Ali’s determination to make amends in Bulgaria.