Richie Woodhall hails future Telford boxing stars

The retired ex-super middleweight king won amateur bronze in Seoul in 1988 before embarking on a glittering pro career.

And he believes there are encouraging signs coming from within Telford's amateur boxing scene that the town could produce another Olympic fighter.

Woodhall was in his hometown last night to support Wellington Boxing Academy 's first show and fundraising dinner.

He helped form the club last year, is currently its president, and has been delighted with the talent he has seen develop both there and at other clubs in the town recently.

Asked whether there was potential in the town for young boxers to follow in his Olympic footsteps he said: "I think so. There are three or four boxing clubs in Telford and they have all got really good lads in them.

"I know all the coaches of the other clubs as well. They are doing a great job. There is a lot of talent in our club and all over Telford. It happened for me and they are in exactly the same boat as I was ,so there is no reason why it can't happen for them.

"They have just got to believe in what they are doing, enjoy the sport, listen to their coaches, keep out of trouble. That is what boxing is about."

Wellington Boxing Academy, which hosted its inaugural show at the Whitehouse Hotel, has produced five Midlands champions and one England international, Akash Taqir, since its formation last year.

Former two-time heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon was also among the guests last night but Michael Watson was unable to attend due to a chest infection.