A TEENAGE boxer with Olympic ambitions is celebrating his first big win in the ring – which is also a milestone for his club.

Archie Bell, from Consett, became under 60kg England Boxing Tyne Tees and Wear Junior Champion, in Hartlepool last week.

He faces Yorkshire's champion in the pre-quarter finals of the national contest this Sunday.

The win was not only a huge achievement for the 15-year-old but also for his club, Fight Fitness Guru ABC in Consett.

Read more: How this boy who LOVES Tesco celebrated his birthday

Head coach Fraser Neill, who started the club in 2018, said it has faced many obstacles over the years but has survived thanks to supporters including club secretary Stacey Errington and the rest of the team.

In late 2019 the club faced being made homeless when it lost the use of a social club but it found a new base in the centre of the town, in a building which had been largely unused for 12 years.

Mr Neill said the club cares about its community and has made donations to foodbanks, supported special community events, and raised money for charities.

It has helped tackle antisocial behaviour by getting youths off the streets into free boxing sessions and encourages young people to set goals, work hard and stick in at school.

He was especially proud to see Archie win a regional title and said, win or lose on Sunday, he has a bright future.

Mr Neill said: “One of our young and extremely committed members Archie Bell first joined us at 13-years-old, at this time Archie was not experienced but was very keen to learn boxing.

“Archie advanced very fast and with our help he set out some very ambitious goals including becoming a champion boxer and influencing people around him to stay out of trouble.

“This young man is a credit to his boxing club and it shows with hard work anything is achievable.”

Tickets are available for Archie’s next bout, at Bridlington Sports Centre on Sunday, October 3, for details visit fightfitnessguru.co.uk

 

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