Birmingham 2022 and Team England duo pack a punch at Priory Park

Young boxers at Dudley’s Priory Park Boxing Club were inspired by a surprise visit from Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games hopefuls Delicious Orie and Tori-Ellis Willetts at the weekend.

Club members were put through their paces during a sparring session led by the two GB and Team England boxers, who hope to represent their country at next summer’s multi-sport extravaganza.

The efforts of super-heavyweight Orie – from Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter Boxing Club – and flyweight Willetts – who boxes for the Army and is also a native of the West Midlands – were given the seal of approval by representatives from the Commonwealth Games organisers, as well as MP for Dudley North, Marco Longhi and Leader of Dudley Council, Councillor Patrick Harley.

It is hoped that the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will inspire the next generation of participants to try out sports for the first time, not just at Priory Park, but across the region and beyond.

Boxing is well-known for instilling discipline, improving balance, helping with posture, boosting endurance and helping improve hand-eye coordination, with community clubs around the country

“As someone who is hoping to compete in next year’s Games in Birmingham, it’s amazing to be able to inspire the next generation of boxers here in Dudley,” said England Boxing National Amateur Championships 2019 Over 91kg title winner Orie. “Their enthusiasm and passion for the sport and Birmingham 2022 is clear to see.

“Boxing sees both mental and physical strength put to the test and is a real visual display of skill, speed and stamina so it should be on everyone’s list when applying for tickets.”

Fellow athlete Willetts said: “Boxing is becoming more accessible to girls of all ages, whether they want to do it for fitness, confidence, make new friends or compete

“I started out in a boxing club just like this and it was encouraging to see so many young females taking part in the sport at Priory Park.

“It was only by trying out lots of different sports when I was at school that I discovered a passion for boxing so I would encourage anyone to get in touch with their local club for a trial session.”

Mr Longhi added: “I was delighted to welcome Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games representatives to Priory Park Boxing Club.

“The Games is a great opportunity to promote our region and inspire people to get involved in local sports clubs. Priory Park Boxing Club does great work in our local community, promoting fitness, teamwork and discipline, and the club’s future plans have my full support.

“I would encourage everyone in Dudley and the Black Country, and indeed around the country, to apply for tickets for the Games in the main ballot, which is now live – don’t miss out on the unmissable.”

Paul Gough, Chair of Priory Park Boxing Club, said: “There’s no doubt our young boxers were inspired by the visit of the two Team England athletes.

“Having the Commonwealth Games on our doorstep in the West Midlands is a real opportunity to promote boxing and the importance of physical and mental health.

“We’d like to thank Birmingham 2022 for kindly donating boxing gloves for the club to use and help produce the boxers of the future.”

Boxing is one of the 19 sports in next year’s Games and there are also eight Para sports on the programme.

Ticket ballot open

The ticket ballot is now open and there are more than one million tickets available for the biggest multi-sport event to be held in the UK since the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Prices start at £8 for under 16s and £15 for adults, but vary depending on where you want to sit in each of the 14 venues and depending on which session you want to attend.

To apply for tickets, visit www.birmingham2022.com and get your application in before 8pm on 30 September.