New Astley Boxing Club fighter Luke Ring making big impression ahead of National Schoolboy Championships
Having been a part of the England Boxing coaching set-up, Mark O’Reilly knows exactly what it takes for fighters to reach those types of heights.
And in Luke Ring, the New Astley Boxing Club head coach believes that he has youngster on his hands with genuine potential.
The 14-year-old recently returned to O’Reilly’s stable, having previously given up the sport to focus on motocross.
Red Lodge-based Ring has come back a different boxer, one that is a current Eastern Counties champion with four victories from five bouts to his name.
And it has been enough to convince O’Reilly that Ring is ready to compete in the National Schoolboy Championships, with the quarter-finals set to take place in London next month.
O’Reilly said: “Luke has improved beyond all recognition. I’ve not had a schoolboy like that for the best part of a decade.
“He went away for a couple of years, but since he’s returned he’s turned things upside down and he’s improved so much in a short space of time.
“He summed it up earlier this year by beating a very good kid from Peterborough. Luke was outstanding, he won unanimously and he was only non-Peterborough fighter to win that night.
“I can’t speak highly enough of him. He’s been brilliant and what he’s achieved so far is phenomenal.”
The Mildenhall College Academy pupil’s next assignment will undoubtedly represent a jump up in the quality of opposition.
But while it is a step into the unknown for Ring, his coach is adamant that he belongs in such company.
“It’s going to be a step up because there are a lot more clubs in London and because of that there’s more strength in depth,” added O’Reilly.
“Those fighters will have a lot more experience, but I really believe it will take a very good kid to beat Luke.
“I never let my heart rule my head and I make decisions on what I see in front of me. I’ve been an England coach, I’ve seen top kids and Luke has so much potential.
“We’re not just going into it to make up the numbers.”
