Boxing champ has the world in his hands

A Tameside College student is boxing clever after becoming the Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) north west region boxing champion. 

Robbie Derbyshire, from Hattersley, is following in the footsteps of his boxing heroes, Anthony Crolla and Ricky Hatton after his recent ABA success at Tameside Elite gym. The modest 16-year-old has made rapid progress in the sport following a career in kickboxing. He became north west ABA champion after only his third ever bout which placed him in the top eight youth cadet boxers at 54 kilo weight in Britain. 

The former Irish Open Kickboxing under 14 champion switched to boxing when his talent for the sport was spotted by coaches at Roy Richards Boxing Academy in Compstall. Despite his lack of boxing experience he was encouraged to enter the prestigious ABA competition and Robbie’s determination and dedication has been rewarded with this success. His coaches told him not to worry about his results by telling him: ‘You either win or you learn’. 

After becoming north west champion, Robbie qualified to compete at national level and took part in his fourth bout, only losing to a points decision. 

Robbie, former Alder high school pupil said: “I’m buzzing. I want to become a professional boxer and this is the route to take. I am competing against the best boxers at my age and as I go further through the rounds more people in the sport will become aware of me.” 

Tracey Hobson, sports teacher at Tameside College, said: “Robbie has done exceptionally well to reach such a high level of boxing in such a short period of time. The sports department at the college is very proud of his achievements and I hope that he progresses even further in the sport in the future.”