World champion boxer pays a visit to Lochaber
WORLD featherweight boxing champion Lee Selby visited the Lochaber Phoenix boxing gym last Friday night to train and meet the local fighters and friends.
There was a huge bonus for the local club as Lee, who holds the IBF version of the title, brought with him his brother Andrew, who was formerly recognised as the number one amateur flyweight in the world before he turned professional and is now the British champion with a world title eliminator scheduled for the summer.
Organised by Alec McPherson of Speed Entertainment, the event proved to be an outstanding success with both boxers not only showing how accomplished they are in the ring but also how pleasant and what fantastic role models they are for young aspiring sportsmen and women.
The two boxers entered the packed gym in full training gear with Lee’s IBF world title belt on display and, after making introductions, entered the gym’s main training ring and proceeded to go through a gentle warm-up of skipping and shadow boxing after which they took each other for a couple of rounds of boxing pad work. This was only to whet the appetite as the two brothers then proceeded to engage in a few rounds of sparring, displaying all the abilities and skills that have taken them to the very pinnacle of their sport.
Unlike some successful sportsmen, these two Welsh stars have stayed very humble and were eager to pass on as much advice as possible to the younger members of the gym, including engaging in sparring, pad work and technical advice within the confines of the ropes.
Understandably, the local boxers were thrilled to share a ring with the visitors as not many boxers can experience the thrill of sparring with world champions.
As if this was not enough, both boxers then engaged in a lengthy signing session where everyone present received either an auto- graphed photograph or some official Selby merchandise during which the brothers answered any and every question directed to them.
The visit was such a success that both boxers have stressed that they would love to visit the area again later this year.
This visit was great preparation for the younger members of the club as they prepare for the club’s home show at the Nevis Centre on Saturday May 13 where, for the first time in quite a few years, the senior boxers will outnumber the juniors with no fewer than six local seniors scheduled to appear alongside five junior and schoolboy boxers against opponents from all over Scotland.
Tickets for this event can be purchased from the venue or contacting anyone at the club.