The bright future for British amateur boxing that Amir Khan swept in three years ago at the Olympics in Athens faced its toughest test on the road to Beijing as the World Amateur Championships began in Chicago last night. Having long been the fiercest test in the unpaid code, the championships have added impact as, for the first time, Olympic qualification is on offer as well as medals. There is a record entry of 650 boxers from 120 countries – some boxers will have to compete seven times in 11 days to win gold.

Three gold medal-winners from last year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne – David Price, the super-heavyweight, Frankie Gavin, the lightweight, and Stephen Smith, the featherweight – are included in the squad.

Price, who at 6ft 8in can look down his nose at either Klitschko brother, stands out not only for his size. Four years ago, he was one bout away from qualifying for the Athens Games. He stayed amateur and the development has been outstanding. “Four years ago I was a baby at the weight – I’m a lot stronger and hitting a lot harder now,” Price, 24, said. “Looking around, it’s anyone’s title. I’m improving, others are not as good as they were. I’ve got as good a chance as any.”

England: 91kg+: David Price. 91kg: Danny Price. 81kg: Tony Jeffries. 75kg: James DeGale. 69kg: Neil Perkins. 64kg: Bradley Saunders. 60kg: Frankie Gavin. 57kg: Stephen Smith. 54kg: Joe Murray. 51kg: Khalid Yafai. 48kg: Darran Langley.

Scotland: 91kg: Steve Simmons. Wales: 75kg: Tobias Webb. 54kg: Chris Jenkins. 51kg: Andrew Selby. 48kg: Mo Nasir.

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