Galal Yafai, in blue, has been included in the British Lionhearts squad for their opening World Series of Boxing fixture of the season ©Getty Images

Olympian Galal Yafai has been named as part of the British Lionhearts squad for their opening World Series of Boxing (WSB) match of the season against Italia Thunder.

The 24-year-old will be heading out to Rome for the Group B clash on Thursday (February 9) and will feature in the light-flyweight bout.

Alongside Yafai, who was beaten in the second round of his weight division’s competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, Jack Bateson, bantamweight, and Dalton Smith, light-welterweight, have also been selected.

Middleweight fighter Luka Plantic and Joesp-Bepo Filip, heavyweight, have also been selected with the Croatians acting as overseas picks.

Yafai has not been involved in competitive boxing since he lost to Cuba’s Joahnys Argilagos in Rio.

Last year the British Lionhearts reached the final of the competition, where they lost to Cuba Domadores ©Getty Images
Last year the British Lionhearts reached the final of the competition, where they lost to Cuba Domadores ©Getty Images

"It feels good to be boxing again and it’s great that it will be in the WSB, which is a really exciting format," Yafai said.

"My job when I’m out there is to make sure that I win.

"We want to get the season off to a good start and to make sure we’ve got our first win under our belt."

Last season, the Lionhearts were beaten by Cuba Domadores in the WSB final.

The other match in Group B sees the Morocco Atlas Lions face the France Fighting Roosters in Fez.