15-YEAR-OLD Alfie Manning, a young boxer from Hailsham, has shown determination, skill and perseverance over the past year to achieve an incredible line-up of titles.
Alfie has trained at the Hailsham Boxing Club under the watchful eye of ex-champion Sam Buchanan, and has gone on to win two Southern Counties Championships in two different weight categories. The Club entered Alfie into the National Development Championships in the junior category under 57kg, and he has truly made his mark. He has been named ‘Best Boxer’ in Sussex.
He has taken part in fifteen bouts, with thirteen wins and seven stoppages. He also clinched a Silver medal in the Open Class Elite Championship, facing an opponent with 40 bouts of experience in the final.
Alfie told his story to around fifty members of the Hailsham Chamber of Commerce this morning (Thursday), where he showed his medals and spoke about how he overcame difficulties at school to achieve boxing titles.
He told Hailsham News: “Boxing gives that confidence that if you’re willing to work, there’s nothing you can’t achieve. The more you put in, the more you get out.
“I haven’t naturally been that gifted with my education, but if you have the discipline and willing to focus, then school isn’t that hard.”
His trainer, Sam Buchanan said: “There’s an old saying passed down through generations of boxing wisdom. A coach’s father once told him ‘If you ever have a boy that’s got heart, you can do the rest’.
“For a small club that has only been part of England Boxing for just over a year, this level of success is nothing short of remarkable. It’s a testament to the dedication of the coaching team and the hard work of the young athletes who train there.
“Alfie Manning is on an incredible journey, and his name is one to remember — he is destined for great things in the boxing world.
“At our club, we thrive on giving children opportunities, and the progress they make speaks volumes about the passion and commitment of our coaching team.
“A huge thank you to everyone who supports us! Your encouragement makes all the difference.”
