HE’S already being trained for the top by Welsh boxing legend Joe Calzaghe and now heavyweight Kody Davies has even more cause for optimism, he’s a fully fledged member of the Team GB boxing squad, writes Michael Pearlman.

The Blackwood-puncher spent the start of September being assessed at try-outs for the squad, with the 2016 Rio Olympics very much the aim for the talented southpaw who is a former British amateur champion as well as a two-time Welsh elite champion.

Kody, who represented Wales at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, occasionally enjoys one-on-one training sessions with Calzaghe, Newbridge’s undefeated 46-0 two-weight world champion.

Joe is close friends with Kody’s father Kevin and has taken an active interest in a career that is now set to be developed with Britain’s elite boxing squad in Sheffield.

“Kody has worked hard for this and deserves his chance,” his father told the Argus. Comments endorsed by Calzaghe. “He is looking sharp and ready,” he said.

Davies (though not directly) replaces St Joes boxer Andrew Selby in the squad, with the younger brother of world champion Lee opting to turn professional.

And while he’s been tipped for the top in the paid ranks, British amateur boxing association (Baba) chiefs, admit he’s a big loss with an Olympics around the corner.

Baba performance director Rob McCracken said: “Andrew Selby is one of the finest amateur boxers we have ever produced in Great Britain and has made a significant contribution to the success of the GB Boxing squad in recent years where he has consistently won medals at major tournaments and undeniably proven himself to be one of the best boxers in the world [in AIBA’s various boxing formats].

“It is a disappointment for us that Andrew has decided his future lies away from the GB boxing squad but he departs with our warmest regards and we wish him every success in his future career.”