Ex-champ checks on young boxers
Barrie White • Published 5 Feb 2012 10:00
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BOXING legend Barry McGuigan believes future superstars of the sport should take up opportunities to be well-educated.
The former world featherweight champion, nicknamed 'The Clones Cyclone', was in Langley on Tuesday to check up on a boxing academy he set up in his name 12 months ago at East Berkshire College.
Looking lean and mean, McGuigan, 50, who has dual British and Irish citizenship, dispensed advice to a group of boxers as well as asking them about their education at the college, on Station Road.
The occasion was an open evening, where McGuigan praised the facilities offered by the academy.
He said the facility was not about producing professionals but about integrating different cultures and giving young adults who box a chance for education because he himself was denied one.
"I started this because I had to stop school at 16," said McGuigan, who is also chairman of the Professional Boxing Association, designed to help boxers with advice and education.
"They wouldn't be very flexible, they weren't willing to give me the time to get my education. It's not just about boxing these days - learning is much better
"These kids don't know how lucky they are. This is a great college and they bend over backwards to give them an education.
"Ian Bailey (who runs the coaching at the academy) is a great coach, he's very understanding. He can coach with the best and the kids love him.
"Boxing is the best way to get them back into education, whether you're Muslim or any other religion."
- East Berkshire College is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a signed copy of Barry's autobiography, entitled 'Cyclone: My Story' and a signed picture.
To enter, email your name and phone number to comps@berksmedia.co.uk
The closing date is 5pm on Friday, February 10. Normal Berkshire Media Group terms and conditions apply and East Berkshire College may use your details to contact you in the future.
This article appeared in Royal Borough Observer 03 Feb 12
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