Hall of Famer visit for DISE Spotlight London

Boxers on the DISE programme at London’s Spotlight hub ended the Christmas term with a visit from International Boxing Hall of Fame writer, Colin Hart.

The legendary fight scribe spent several hours with the student boxers on the programme passing on his knowledge and sharing his stories about some of the all time greats of the sport.

“It’s not often you have someone in the gym who was ringside at the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’,” said DISE London coach Mark Collings. “It was really special to have someone like Colin sit down and talk about his incredible career in the sport to the young boxers on DISE.

“He’s so generous with his time and knowledge, and we had about five or six national champions who are on DISE in the gym on the day, so I think it can only enhance their education and inspire them even more.”

Former DISE student and current England Boxing National Amateur champion at Under 56kg, Billy Adams (Dagenham BC), was among those in attendance to hear Hart talk about the favourite fight he ever reported on – Duran v Leonard 1.

“We watched some of the fight together and then had a Q&A and Colin talked about Muhammad Ali, Marvin Hagler v Thomas Hearns and some of the biggest names in the history of the sport,” said Billy.

“It was brilliant to hear the stories from a man who was actually there and has seen all these great fighters in some of their biggest moments and in training.”

Tom Welland, of West Ham, the reigning National Youth Cadet champion at Under 56kg, was also full of praise for the visit.

“I think the best of all the things Colin talked about was not turning pro too early.” said Tom. “He told us all about the importance of learning our trade in the amateurs and not being in a great rush to turn over.

“When someone like that, who has spent over 50 years in the sport, passes on those messages, you’ve got to listen.”

DISE London is now recruiting for September 2022. Please contact mark_collings@live.co.uk for further information.