THREE Gwent boxers have been named in Wales’ initial 10-strong squad for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, writes Andrew Penman.

Newport’s Sean McGoldrick will be aiming to repeat his heroics from Delhi four years ago to claim a second Commonwealth Games gold medal in the 56kg category.

Pontllanfraith heavyweight Kody Davies is also included in the men’s team, which is headed by Olympic silver medallist Fred Evans, European gold winner Andrew Selby and St Joseph’s fighter Joe Cordina.

Evans, who trained with Tony Borg at St Joes until last year, is included despite recently being fined £435 after he admitted assaulting a customer at a Birmingham lap-dancing club.

And, with women’s boxing added to the Commonwealth programme for the first time, Ebbw Vale’s Ashley Brace is joined by Charlene Jones and Lauren Price to represent Wales.

But 10-time Welsh super-heavyweight champion Kevin Evans is left out.

Nations are allowed to name a maximum of 11 boxers and Wales have opted not to nominate Evans in the 91+kg division.

The 38-year-old is denied the chance to represent his country in a fifth Commonwealth Games - having won a silver and two bronzes at previous tournaments.

Wales will also select a boxer to compete in the 81kg category and will put forward their nomination at the beginning of June.

Splott fighter Nathan Thorley beat Sharif Mohamed of Prizefighter in the 81kg final at the Welsh Elite Boxing Championships in March, and the likelihood is that one of those two will go to Glasgow.

Welsh Boxing performance director James Thomas said: “We’re lucky enough in Wales to have a fantastic squad of boxers and selecting a team of 11 has been challenging.

“Competition for places has been tough and it's testament to the quality and ability of the 10 in the team that they have been selected to represent Wales in Glasgow.

“With the combination of experience and enthusiasm in the squad I'm confident that Glasgow 2014 will be a great Games for us.”

Wales boxing squad for Glasgow 2014: Ashley Brace (Ebbw Vale), 51kg; Joe Cordina (Cardiff), 60kg; Kody Davies (Pontllanfraith), 91kg; Zack Davies (Carmarthen), 64kg; Fred Evans (Cardiff), 69kg; Charlene Jones (Haverfordwest), 60kg; Lauren Price (Caerphilly), 75kg; Sean McGoldrick (Newport), 56kg; Andrew Selby (Barry), 52kg; Ashley Williams (Bridgend), 49kg