A boxing club which has been packing a punch, going from strength to strength in the last few years, may now get a connection with the London Olympics.
A boxing club which has been packing a punch, going from strength to strength in the last few years, may now get a connection with the London Olympics.
Great Yarmouth-based Kingfisher Club has become a knock-out success, attracting new members
and achieving success in and out of
the ring.
Now coach Tyrone Harold could be involved with the London Olympics following his appointment as an England team manager.
It was the first time one of the county's boxing coaches has been selected for the national management team by the Amateur Boxing Association.
“I am over the moon, no-one from Norfolk has ever been an England team manager before so it is a huge honour to be chosen,” said Harold.
“I had to go on assessment course and was one of six chosen from across the country. Hopefully, this will really push boxing in Norfolk and give the sport a higher profile.”
Harold's ultimate ambition is to be part of the Great Britain team at the 2012 Olympics, but for now is looking forward heading to Bulgaria for an international tournament next month.
The Kingfisher club was ranked among the top three in the country last season, a resurgence that is all the more remarkable as it almost closed back in the 1990s.
Several Kingfisher boxers have recently worn the national vest and represented the club in the ABA finals, including Mark Readhead who hung up his gloves at the end of last season.
Among the up-and-coming youngsters is 17-year-old light- welterweight Nathan Dale, who won the junior ABA title 18 months ago.
Boxing brothers Liam and Ryan Walsh both made their names at the club before turning professional
last year.
The brothers, from Cromer, made sensational pro debuts alongside other sibling Michael, stopping all three opponents during bouts at London's Docklands Arena in February.
Partnerships have been launched at schools in the Yarmouth area and with the police to promote boxing for
young people.
Club president and coach Cecil Page, one of the original boxers at the club, founded in 1964, said: “The club has benefitted from a revival of interest in boxing in recent years.
“Boxing channels aggression, keeps the lads fit, instils good discipline and leads to a healthy lifestyle.
“We have between 70 to 80 members, some of whom just come to train, but also take part in competitions all over the country.
“Amateur boxing is very safe, all wear headguards and have a full medical inspection before a bout.
“I have never seen any serious injuries in all my years in the sport.”
The club, based at St Peters Plain near Trafalgar Road, meets Monday and Wednesday 6-7pm for beginners and 7.30-9pm for competing boxers and Thursday 7-8.30pm for beginners and competing boxers.
For more information visit the
club website at www.kingfisherabc.co.uk
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