Children at County Durham boxing club win 11 gold medals at international competition

The club landed back in Newcastle on Wednesday morning, bringing back a plethora of medals. Credit: Brandon Boxing Club

A children's boxing team which raised £30,000 to compete at an international competition in Canada has come back with a huge medal haul.

Most of the children from Brandon Boxing Club in County Durham had never left the North East and saw the opportunity as a "once in a lifetime trip" to compete internationally.

Ricky Hatton sends good luck message to Brandon Boxing Club

Coach Alex Oliver told ITV Tyne Tees: "The team returns home with an amazing 11 golds and 1 bronze, but we became the first British Club to win the prestigious Brampton Cup.

"The Brampton Cup has been going 41years and has seen the likes of Lennox Lewis compete in the tournament. These boxers have done us proud, not just in competition but behaviour all the way through the trip.

"All well mannered and have done everything we have asked of them. The support from the families we have had with us has been overwhelming and we took over the venue on finals day. Thanks again for each and every person who helped fund and sponsor this trip, these kids have had great life experiences."

The squad which flew over competed in the Brampton Box Cup, which is a knock-out competition where boxers compete in their age and weight categories.

They landed back in Newcastle at 8.30am on Wednesday 7 February after winning 11 golds and one bronze at the competition. The team also brought home the overall Brampton Box Cup.

Before setting off, Mr Oliver said it wasn't a holiday and they would be pushed hard. He told ITV Tyne Tees: "They'll be training every day, on a morning we'll get up, do our runs in sub-zero temperatures and then they'll train."

The young boxers hard work proved dividends as they brought back the medals. Credit: ITV Tyne Tees

Fighters from the Brandon club ranged from six to 28 years old.

Word of their trip spread in the boxing community and former light-welterweight world champion Ricky Hatton sent a message of support.

He said: "I just want to wish good luck to the Brandon Boxing Club as they go fighting in Canada. All the best!"

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