Boxing legend Lionel Hutchings honoured by Kings Boxing Academy
December 6, 2023 | by Chris Boyd
Lionel Hutchings, a 90-year-old who has given his life to amateur boxing, was honoured by Kings Boxing Academy at a special ceremony last month.
The award, which came in the form of an engraved belt, was donated by Linden Homes and sought to recognise a life dedicated to amateur boxing.
Lionel started boxing at 13 and went on to have 297 bouts over 16 years, as well as an estimated 50 army contests before becoming a coach.
It was as a coach that Lionel flourished. Volunteering at Exeter Amateur Boxing Club for over 47 years, his support of local young people was recognised by the whole community.
Lionel is well-respected amongst his boxing peers and in the local community, with prominent figures attending last month’s ceremony.
Club patron, Devon County Councillor, town mayor Mr Ron Peart and Mayoress Mrs June Peart all attended, with the mayor even popping a specially engraved bottle of champagne donated by sponsors Linden Homes.
MP for Teignbridge, Anne-Marie Morris, also attended and immersed herself in the proceedings by serving the champagne to the guests.
Morris also presented Lionel with a unique England Boxing medal and said she was delighted to be there, and she was, “in awe of Lionel’s outstanding boxing achievements as well as those of Kings as a resource.”
Former British and WBC world super-middleweight champion Glenn Catley paid a visit, too.
Kings secretary Kalem Nuttall, oversaw the event and provided local press with the details of Lionel’s humble commitment to amateur boxing: “We are delighted that Lionel has been recognised for the incredible contribution to the local boxing community. He continues to support the sport as a patron of Kings and is always enthusiastic about the boxers and their progress.
“The awards presentation was a great success, and it was wonderful to honour a local sports hero who has inspired so many.”
Prior to the ceremony, Kings hosted a special activation event where their young boxers sparred those from Cornwall’s St Piran’s ABC and Devon’s Torrington ABC. Kings head coach, Chris Rattenbury, hailed both teams, as ‘great ambassadors for the sport’.
With Lionel continuing to support and sponsor amateur boxers, the event provided a fitting way to begin celebrations.
