Teenage boxer says Greenock club gives youngsters a fighting chance

Nineteen-year-old Tony Orr is one of many talented young athletes to come through the ranks of the Greenock Boxing Club over the years.

He headlined the east end club's home show on Saturday in a celebration of head coach Danny Lee and his team's efforts to take boys and girls off the streets.

Tony, from Shandon Place, knows more than most the powerful impact the club has on the community.

He said: "I was wild when I was younger and then I came to boxing.

"It gave me somewhere to go.

"I started at the boxing club to get fit for football, but I stayed boxing."

Tony took on Renfrewshire boxer Martin Kerr at the Home Show but says the club is about much more than training fighters.

He said: "This about more than just boxing.

"It helps with everything.

"I am now an apprentice gas engineer.

"Being involved with the boxing club helps when you go for a job."

Club chairman Graeme Baillie wants to continue to help young people in the community.

He said: "Boxing takes our boys and girls away from the streets and gives them something to do every day.

"For a couple of pounds they can come here.

"It gives them discipline and it is brilliant for employability.

"We have a great relationship with the local police, the Chief Inspector Debbie Reilly is so supportive of us.

"The officers come in and get to know the boys and girls here.

"It is a real partnership."

One of the club's biggest backers is a charity which helps families in Inverclyde.

Children in Poverty Inverclyde recently donated cash to help kit the boxers out.

Founder Pat Burke said: "We were pleased to offer the Greenock Boxing Club a donation of £500, continuing our engagement locally in the promotion of recreation and improved health."

Club chairman Graeme, who also highlighted sponsorship of local businessman Ross Guiller, added: "We are delighted with the support from the charity, it makes a big difference."