South Yorkshire boxers aspire towards potential Olympic glory

We've been speaking to potential sports stars of the future at Retro Fitness Limited in Barnsley

Author: Chris Davis-SmithPublished 31st Jul 2024

Sheffield Hallam graduate Lewis Richardson is one of Team GB's final two boxing hopefuls taking to the ring at the Paris Olympics later.

He trained in South Yorkshire during his time studying in the region.

Teenage prospect Bailey Grayson trains 3 times a week at Retro Fitness Limited boxing club in Barnsley.

He's got hopes of representing Team GB in the future:

"It just comes to me naturally.

"I love the feeling of boxing, and I love the feeling of getting punched.

"The Olympics is a big thing.

"You just need to make it into the English boxing team.

"It's really hard to get into the English boxing team, but if I can make it, then I'll do my best to get there.

"I've loved boxing ever since I started doing it.

"I feel like it comes naturally to me."

Charlie Green is Bailey's trainer at the gym in Wombwell:

"Bailey's only been training for two years.

"Every day he's getting fitter and mentally stronger.

"He's got to believe in himself, and the more fights he wins at amateur level, the more confidence he'll develop."

Chantelle Reid is also competing today in the women's middleweight round of 16 at the Paris 2024 Olympic games.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.