National double for DiSE London boxers
March 7, 2020 | by Matt Halfpenny
Two young boxers who attend the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme at the Spotlight Centre, London have enjoyed a great few days at the England Boxing National Youth Championships 2020 at Birtley.
Billy Adams (Dagenham BC) and Finley James (West Ham BC) both claimed national titles in the 56kg category at open and cadet level respectively.
“It’s been hard work, but everything came together for me during this Championship,” said James, who lost in last year’s final to the opponent he beat this time, Cameron Lavery.
“I boxed some really good boys, but I managed to keep my composure and, thanks to the work I’ve put in, I came out on top. I can’t wait to go again as soon as possible. ”
Adams, meanwhile overcame a familiar opponent to win his belt.
He said: “My coaches at Dagenham have been brilliant and the support I have had on the DISE scheme has given me a little bit extra going into this championship.
“I boxed a brilliant opponent and a good mate of mine, Charlie Hickford (Hoddesdon BC), in the final, so I knew it was going to be tough, but thankfully I got the win and hopefully that will give me a shout to be in the squad for the European Championships.
“I would love to go one better than I did in Russia – quarter finalist in 2018 – and this time come back with a medal.”
London DISE boxing coach, Mark Collings, had nothing but praise for the two young boxers and all the students on the London scheme.
“ Both of these lads , Billy and Finley – and all the DISE students – do an amazing job balancing their studies with their boxing. It never ceases to amaze me how good they are.
“It takes a certain type of character to be both good at your work and your sport and I believe that all these students have that character.
“I believe it’s a character that can eventually make you a champion and all these students are potentially championship calibre if they are not a champion already.
“In two weeks, we have another DISE London boxer, Vivien Parsons (Afewee BC) competing for her second national title of the year, so I can’t be more pleased with how this group are working at the moment. It’s great for them and great for the sport in general.”
For more information on the DiSE programme or to contact the Spotlight DiSE hub, click here.
