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10/07/2008
Hoddesdon Boxing Academy Awards Evening
Hoddesdon Boxing Academy finished their boxing season with a grand presentation for boxers, coaches and volunteers at the King and Tinker Public House.
Olympian Billy Joe Saunders took time out from training to attend, along with his family, and recieved the Oustanding Achievement award, presented by Marc Beyeler, sports reporter for the Mercury Newspaper. Marc spoke of his relationship with Billy over the last several months as he covered the boxer's road to qualification, including his spectacular victory in Pescara, Italy.
Billy Joe is getting ready for the Olympics
Other popular winners were Ronnie Mcnamara, who won the Boxer's Boxer and Best Junior of the Year awards. Ronnie has had an unblemished record over the past season, claiming the scalps of Irish, Danish and county champions.
Ben Fowl was the recipient of the Coaches' Boxer of the Year award, but work committments prevented him attending.
Loz Bell scooped Most Improved Senior and Clubman of the Year and Edward Merner claimed the Most Improved Junior award.
Coach Sab Leo, who also honoured the 'minis section' with medals and certificates said: "The atmosphere was terrific and many of the parents of the younger age group were amazed of the magnitude of the event, many felt it would be low key but everyone joined in to show appreciation."
"We raised monies that will go towards equipment and we are sending a strong team of boxers to Denmark in October for an international boxing tournament."
For many of the boxers a well earned rest is now on the cards. For one, however, the adventure is about to begin. Billy Joe Saunders making the final preperations for Beijing 2008.
Billy's coach Danny Hoy said: "We are 100% behind Billy, as is everyone from surrounding boxing clubs and the county, it is hoped Hoddesdon Boxing Academy will get together to watch Billy box through the rounds and offer him our full and deserved support"