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10/02/2009
Norman Wheeler
Essex boxing is mourning the death of legendary Belhus Park Boxing Club Head Coach - Norman Wheeler, who died in hospital last week. With his late wife Rose, he ran the club single handed for many years - often declining the help of other coaches.
A former pro fighter, Norman co-founded Belhus Park Amateur Boxing Club in South Ockendon back in the early 1950s with the late Johnny Broadbent. The two men began coaching together in the 1950s and trained thousands of fighters, including lightweight Pat Finn, welterweight David Eggleton and Phil Lundren.
During his time at the club Norman coached many boys for titles - most recently the Saunders brothers - Johnny, Paul, Paddy and Luke. Norman was quite a fiery man who was unafraid to argue but highly respected not just in Essex, but everywhere. With his electric white hair and his red tracksuit you couldnt mistake him.
He'll be sorely missed by all who knew him, and everyone in amateur boxing.
Condolences to his proud family at this time.
Dan O'Sullivan
Dagenham (Police & Community) Boxing Club