KEIGHLEY boxer Muhammad Ali is preparing for his biggest challenge yet as he bids for glory in the England Boxing Elite National Championships this weekend.

The 18-year-old is the top seed in the 52kg category and will compete in the quarter-finals tomorrow in the three-day event which is being held at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Ali, who will find out his opponent on the day, said: "It's the biggest event of my career to date and I hope to get the gold."

The teenager has won a host of junior titles but is now looking to make the step up at senior level.

It is the first time in the event’s 128-year history that the men and women’s finals will be held as part of the same tournament, with former Bradford College student Nicola Adams competing for the first time since she won gold at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow last year.

England Boxing board member Giorgio Brugnoli said: "The finals weekend of the Elite National Championships is one of the highlights of the boxing calendar and this one promises to be exceptionally special."