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19/03/2008
Amateur achievements celebrated at House of Commons
l-r with PM Gordon Brown: Bradley Saunders, Joe Murray, James DeGale, Khalid Yafai, Frankie Gavin,
Billy Joe Saunders and Tony Jeffries
Members of the ABAE's GB squad had a chance to reflect on their recent success when they attended a reception held at the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined ABAE President Richard Caborn, Sports Minister Gerry Sutcliffe, Barry McGuigan, members of the House of Lords and a number of MPs to congratulate the seven athletes who have so far qualified to travel to Beijing in August.
Also in attendance were ABA Chief Executive Paul King, Chairman Keith Walters and GB Head Coach Terry Edwards.
Richard Caborn said of Britain's Olympic chances: "This could be Amir Khan times ten. This is one of the biggest success stories of British sport. I think this is going to be one of the top three sports in the next few years."
Former WBA featherweight champ Barry McGuigan said: "I firmly believe we will win more medals than any other sport in Beijing. I haven't seen this kind of talent in the amateurs in my lifetime. What they have achieved is remarkable. They have got a great system in place and these boys are so talented and have been given the right experience and preparation. They have certainly got it right in amateur boxing at the moment."
Terry Edwards, Gordon Brown, Keith Walters and Paul King
After lunch the team and ABAE representatives met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who congratulated them on their great success in the Olympic qualifying tournaments and wished them success in the upcoming Games.
ABAE Chairman Keith Walters and the Prime Minister