DEVON boxer Jamie Speight is finding ‘pleasure, satisfaction and fulfilment’ running a boxing gym in Thailand having had an eleven-year professional career of his own, writes James Bovington.

The pinnacle of his time in the ring was defeating Martin Hillman in 2017 to win British Boxing’s southern area featherweight title.

“I’m proud to have carried the tag of a ‘professional boxer,” said Speight, “I was a dedicated athlete and sacrificed much of my youth to become the best I could be.

“Some viewed it as odd, but the training gave me unmatched discipline coupled with a hunger and passion for the sport that made me. I’m lucky, indeed privileged to be passing my knowledge and experience on to the next generation as I help my fighters build the bridges to cross the rivers where I had to swim.

“I was proud to win an area title but the highlight of my career also in 2017 was boxing live on Sky Sports from the O2 arena in London in front of twenty thousand people and seeing my name up in lights above the big stage as I walked out. I boxed Reece Bellotti from Watford for a vacant WBC title. Although I didn’t win the experience was amazing for this young man from Devon living out his dreams.

“I’m also proud to have fought Leeds boxer Josh Warrington back in 2013 before he became a world champion.

“As you do in boxing, we became friends. That surprises only those who don’t know the sport. I found Josh to be a lovely, down-to-earth kid at heart and I’m so very thankful to his dad Sean for all he taught me during my time in Leeds. He’s a wonderful man and a brilliant coach who improved my boxing immensely.”

Thirty-six-year-old Speight grew up in Kingsteignton, ‘a lovely little village,’ and hasn’t ruled out returning to Devon, “which will always be my home. At present I’m happy and content in Thailand. Boxing has had such a positive influence on my life helping me to become disciplined, well-mannered, articulate and caring.”

“Boxing changes lives for the better and I won’t let up from promoting the sport I love and reminding parents that boxing isn’t for thugs, bullies or idiots. It’s for young people who can show commitment and determination to prove what they’re made of, so why not offer your son or daughter at least the opportunity to try out training at one of the many gyms or boxing clubs in Devon? Adults can try too, it’s never too late to try out new skills.”