Boxing Clever

Two Winstanley College students are fighting their way to the top in the world of boxing.

Second year student, George Pennington and first year Connor Yates, both competed in England Boxing National Youth Championships last month.

The competition, which is held in Solihull, is a bridge between junior and senior level championships. Competing in this competition and at this level is particularly prestigious, with well-known names such as Youth Olympic Champion Caroline Dubois, Dennis McCann and 2018 Olympic Youth Champion Hopey Price having won the competition previously.

George competed in the under 71kg category and Conor in the 63.5kg. Both had impressive success, qualifying for the semi-finals.

They now wait to see whether they will be selected for the England Boxing Programme and have more championships to compete in this October.

Alongside their boxing careers George and Conor are studying hard for their A-levels. First year Conor, a former student of Upholland High School is taking PE, Psychology and Economics, with hopes to pursue a career in sport in the future.

Second year George, who previously attended Kings Leadership Academy in Warrington, completes his studies in English Language, PE and Psychology this year and has an offer of a place for Sports Journalism at Sheffield University from September. The degree course could offer him a boxing scholarship once his place is confirmed following A-level results day. He is already practising his journalism skills having made contact on social media with Frazer Clarke.

George said: ‘My Grandad was into boxing and from the age of 10 when I first went down to the club I was hooked! You must be disciplined and organised to balance training, competitions, and college but it is worth it. Sport is a huge passion of mine and I also play football for the college team.  My career goal is to become a sports journalist and I am looking forward to pursuing this in Sheffield if I get the grades needed. I have been selected for the England Boxing Programme and am looking forward to the opportunities that will bring.’

Conor added: ‘Competing at the level George and I have got to is very exciting. You start to mix with professionals and get a taste for what the future could bring. Once I’ve finished my A-levels next year I hope to go to university and complete a sport and exercise science degree to gain qualifications to aid me in the future.’

Anne Baxby, Head of PE at Winstanley said: ‘Congratulations to George and Conor for their ongoing success. They both have the personalities, skill, and determination to succeed, and we can’t wait to see where the future takes them.’