GREAT Sankey boxer Imad Nasseb is preparing for a major national final this weekend.

The 18-year-old flyweight, who boxes for the Phoenix Fire gym on Winwick Road, will contest the National Elite Development Championships Class B Final in Grantham, Lincolnshire.

He also keeps up a record of at least one boxer from the club reaching a national final every year since 2004.

In a tournament for boxers who have had 20 fights or less, Nasseb has won three bouts on points over consecutive weekends to reach the final, including a semi-final victory over Liam Philips of the Moss Side Fire club in Manchester.

Before that he saw off Reiss Taylor of Aston, Birmingham and Salpal Bahra of the One Nation club in Derby.

He now faces Jordan Pukiss, from Chadwell St Mary’s in Kent, in the final and Phoenix senior coach Elliot Dillon is optimistic about his chances.

“Imad has boxed well throughout the competition and has defeated very capable opposition,” he said.

“Hopefully he can know finish the tournament in style on Sunday.

“He has done really well in an open age competition as he is still eligible to box in youth events until the end of the year.”