King points to a brighter future

Stalker (r) is among a number of boxers hoping to establish themselves

Paul King, the chief executive of the Amateur Boxing Association, believes the European Championships will act as a springboard for upcoming talent.

Manchester's Joe Murray is the only Beijing Olympian representing England in the tournament in Liverpool between 6 and 15 November.

King told BBC Radio Merseyside: "I think it will be a fantastic platform for some of the new faces coming in.

"I believe the opportunities for London 2012 are going to be exemplarily."

Among a raft of new faces drafted into the squad following the Olympics is Huyton's Tom Stalker.

Stalker, 23, had previously been based with the elite programme in Sheffield to act as a reserve for and to train alongside Stephen Smith and Frankie Gavin.

Smith has since turned professional, with Gavin indicating he is likely to follow suit.

You could see, potentially, he had the ability, the wherewithal, the physical hardness and the will to try and get into the team

ABAE chief Paul King on Tom Stalker

King believes Stalker is capable of making an impact at the Europeans.

"I've followed his career with a close eye towards international boxing.

"You could see, potentially, he had the ability, the wherewithal, the physical hardness and the will to try and get into the team.

"As long as he can retain his focus I think he'll have a tremendous week to 10 days," said King.

Since the Beijing Olympics drew to a close, a new body, the British Amateur Boxing Association, has been formed to look after elite British boxing in the run up to the 2012 Olympics in London.

King believes his own organisation will still have a key role to play.

"The sport has decided that it wanted to set up a joint venture company, where all of the home nations have an equal status.

"I believe the increase in potential funding from UK Sport will drive extensive bonuses towards the ABAE and the Athletes."