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23/03/2009
Trophy Kids - are champions born or made?
We've all seen it - the exuberant parents at ringside, screaming on their little (or not-so-little) ones and bathing in glory or suffering a crippling defeat as if it were themselves in the ring.
Channel 4's Cutting Edge programme spent time with GB development squad boxer Charlie Edwards and his father Larry, who has made his son's 2012 success his life project. Not only does his garage have a gym, but in the garden there's a full-size ring and there's even a sauna in his bedroom.
The dedicated dad has given up his social life and much of his business to ensure Charlie has all the support he needs to be a success: "I hate my job, but it allows me to work only 9am to 3pm so I have the freedom to be off with my son."
The South London 15-year-old trains at the EIS in Sheffield and is one of England's brightest boxing prospects, but is his dad doing what's best for his son or simply being a pushy parent? There's no doubting that Larry is proud of his son's ability: "He's shooting for the top and, through sheer determination, dedication and discipline he deserves to get there. But whatever happens, no father will ever be prouder of their son than I am."
Decide for yourself on Thursday at 9pm on Channel 4
