Boxing champ back to roots
YOUNG boxers at a Wear Valley youth club were visited by a national champion just weeks after the club won its debut match.English Light-Welterweight champion Nigel Wright spent time with nearly 30 young members of Glenholme Boxing club on Monday, including 13-year-old Corey Nicholson who won the club’s first ever competitive fight on May 9.
Nigel’s brother Brian, 38, is a coach at the club and said: “It’s good for the youngsters to see Nigel and realise what can be achieved. Nigel was born and raised in Crook so he knows what it’s like for these kids and he’s the perfect role model for them.
I’m really pleased he accepted my invitation to come down and see what we are getting up to here. We need as much help as we can and Nigel coming down will really motivate our boxers. It is a huge confidence boost that someone as big in boxing as Nigel is coming down to our club.”
Confidence in the camp is already high after Corey’s win, meaning after one fight the club currently has a 100 per cent win ration. Corey’s father Ian said: “I’m so proud of Corey, and he’s doing alright. He’s a good all-rounder and enjoys his football and cricket, but it all keeps him fit which is fantastic. He’s as keen as mustard when it comes to boxing and comes three nights a week and just gets on with the job in hand.”
Corey, who was awarded the win after a unanimous decision by the judges, said: “I enjoyed my fight and I’m really pleased I won. “I just went out there and gave it my best shot and now I’m looking forward to my next fight whenever that might be.
“I’m not sure what I want to do as a career yet, but I’m enjoying boxing and will keep going with it.” Nigel watched the boxers including Corey spar with each other and said he was surprised by the quality of the club.
The 28-year-old Spennymoor lifeguard said: “Brian keeps telling me about Glenholme but I didn’t believe him when he said how good it was. I was really surprised when I came through the door and saw the kids and their facilities. I never had facilities likes this when I was growing up and it was really nice seeing all the youngsters enjoying the set-up.”
Nigel has been boxing since he was four and says there’s nothing better than knocking your opponent out, a feat he has accomplished nine times in his 22 matches. Nigel said: “It’s just the biggest buzz because you’ve been preparing and training for it for months and it is the pinnacle of your hard work. I know that sounds aggressive, but boxing is the perfect way to channel your anger and aggression and burn it all off in a safe environment. I can’t remember the last time I got into a fight on the street, and I would be in a lot of trouble if I did because my fists are registered weapons.
“Boxing teaches you discipline, and these kids have to listen to what coaches like Brian are telling them because he is very experienced and an excellent coach. “You learn to respect yourself and others, and so long as you do what you are being told you’ll really enjoy it. You need to stay off the drink and drugs and really do something with yourself.”
Although it is a boxing club, youth project manager Cliff Britton insists anyone is welcome to come and get fit. Cliff said: “You don’t have to fight if you don’t want to. “Plenty of youngsters come just to see their friends and do a bit of exercise. A lot of people think boxing is for boys but its fantastic to see so many girls coming along.
“We have three sessions a week on Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 7pm and 9pm and everyone is welcome.” District councillor for Crook Eddie Murphy also welcomed Nigel to the club. Cliff said: “Eddie has been fantastic to this club and has always given his full support to it so it is only right he is here to welcome Nigel as well.”
Cllr Murphy has previously presented the club with £8,000 from the council’s Capital works programme fund. At the time he said: “This club is a great way for the good kids to get away from the trouble makers and a way for some trouble makers to channel their energy.
“There is a great management team here and I am confident for a big and bright future.” The club is always looking for members and boxing coaches. For more details contact Glenholme Youth centre on 01388 762760.
