Updated

England boxer George Francis, 18, was banned from the Under-19 World Championships in Budva, Montenegro, after an administrative oversight meant he was not tested in time. Francis, from Loughton, Essex, was due to fight at 60kg but was told he was ineligible only hours before the draw, after England Boxing failed to arrange the blood sample needed to verify his sex. He said he was left "broken" and had trained "non-stop" for the chance to represent England at his first World Championships. The Times first reported the story. England Boxing acknowledged that an administrative oversight occurred and said it worked with the competition organisers to explore all options under World Boxing's rules, but a resolution was not possible. It said George remained a valued member of the squad, including as flag bearer. Francis said he had not heard directly from the governing body since, and that the miss had cost him any chance to qualify for the Olympics, leaving him planning to turn professional. World Boxing had been approached for comment.