Boxing ace aims to inspire next generation after heading back to school
Black Country boxing ace Tyler Denny headed back to school to deliver some life lessons from his career in the ring.
The former English and European middleweight champion took time out from training to visit Beacon Hill Academy in Sedgley, where he gave a motivational talk to students.
Denny, a former plumber who last year boxed at Wembley Stadium, was introduced to several youngsters who are keen amateur boxers.
He explained: “There were quite a few kids there who box at different gyms around the Black Country.
“I was in their position once and it was just nice to give them a bit of belief that you can achieve things.
“If I can do it, then they certainly can as well. If someone who is local, who sounds the same and talks the same as you does it, it becomes that bit more believable.
“I was never the most naturally gifted person and it is all about hard work.
“Speaking to some of the kids there, they were better than I was when I started. I lost three of my first four amateur fights so if they put the work in, there is no reason they can’t get there.”
Denny was invited in to Beacon Hill by two-time European champion Kirstie Bavington, who juggles her boxing career with the full-time job as PE teacher at the school.
Bavington, who like Denny trains at the BCB Promotions gym in Wednesbury, explained: “I just wanted to get him in talking with students that box and have trouble at school in terms of behaviour, both girls and boys.
“He did a meet and greet and then spoke to the students about where has come from, that working hard and dreaming big has been key to getting where he is now.
“He’s always been known as the underdog and it is just about working hard and sticking with it.”
Denny, who is waiting to learn his next opponent after last month’s points win over Elvis Ahorgah, added: “If you can give someone a pick up, it gives you a pick up.
“If you speak to a group of 50 people and it helps one, then it is worth it. That is how I look at life.
“Giving motivational talks is the kind of thing I would like to do after I finish boxing. The more experience I get, the better it is.”
