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BBC talks to rising stars of boxing from Loughborough College

Posted: 1st May 2019 - 5:30pm
BBC talks to rising stars of boxing from Loughborough College

BBC radio has been hearing from boxing’s rising stars after joining a Loughborough College sparring session.

Current and former College students who are finding success in the ring took time out from their workout to talk to BBC Radio Leicester’s Jo Hayward ahead of a major event – organised by Royal Boxing Championship and Apollo Boxing, a company launched by Loughborough College alumnus Jamil Adil.

Being put through their paces alongside East Midlands champions Rian Parmar and Callum Hegarty, who study sport with the College, were former students Warren Thompson, Seb Simmonds and Kenan Wingfield. Kenan struck gold for England as an amateur and is now rising through the ranks professionally. Kenan will feature in the ‘Mayhem’ headliner on 11 May at Leicester’s Club Republic as he aims to win the RBC Middleweight belt.

“It’s always great to welcome back former Loughborough College Sport learners who have gone on to have success,” said Danny Lee, who leads Sport FE. “Sport is not just about running around a field, we teach business, psychology and nutrition as part of our courses and that equips these guys for life.

“Boxing provides young people with discipline, confidence, respect, strategic and tactical thinking. It’s fantastic to see Kenan headline the ‘Mayhem’ boxing show, with former learners Warren and Seb boxing on the bill. We also have some really talented boxers currently studying sport at the college such as Rian Parmar and Callum Hegarty.”

“Loughborough College makes it easy for me to balance my education with boxing,” said Callum, 17. “It’s a full time course and I get so much support, not just with my studies but generally with things like nutrition and injuries.”

Rian, also 17, agrees. “My mum and dad are pleased I am doing both – although mum is more on the education side and dad is the boxing.” And Rian is pleased to be amongst the up and coming talent in the region getting so much attention nationally and beyond. “I don’t know what it is about Leicestershire – it must be something in the water.”

In addition to his burgeoning business offering young fighters a platform, former Loughborough College student Jamil continues to help his father at the Unity Boxing Club, which helped give Commonwealth Silver medal winner Paige Murray her start. “It’s great to be surrounded by so much talent and to play an important role in the community, helping so many young people through boxing.”

Listen to current and former Loughborough College students talk boxing with BBC Radio Leicester 2 hours 15 minutes into the 1/5/19 breakfast show here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p075vfkf

Pictured: Loughborough College boxers with BBC Radio Leicester’s Jo Hayward (from left) Danny Lee, Kenan Wingfield, Warren Thompson, Callum Hegarty, Jo Hayward, Rian Parmar, Seb Simmonds and (far right) Jamil Adil