Parker backed for Rio after boxing gold
Young West Aussie boxer Caitlin Parker has been backed to make a run for the Olympics after striking gold in Germany.
The 17-year-old from Gosnells won the 75kg gold representing the Australian Youth team at the multi-nation Brandenburg Cup in Frankfurt on the weekend.
Parker is heading to the World Youth Championships in Sofia next month, which her club coach believes could lead to a run to Rio in 2016.
"She's got real talent and now the job is to get her decent opponents," Peter 'Fox' Wilkenson said.
"We have to look at every avenue to get her round the country and look for sponsorship.
"It's hard to get her fights, even sparring she has a go with some of the boys in the gym. But that stands her in good stead.
"She is a real talent - she won the (elite) Australian 75kg title last year when she was only 16.
"And she's a great girl. She's been boxing for five years now, and got a rugby scholarship at school."
Meanwhile, Fox's Den professional Jeremy Van Diemen is moving up to cruiserweight from light-heavy.
Caitlin Parker, second left, after winning her gold medal. Pic provided
