Each Friday we pay homage to a boxing ‘unsung hero’. The lifeblood of the sport - the men and women who have contributed so much and asked for so little, who have saved lives and transformed futures.

This week we focus on a man credited with guiding Audley Harrison to super-heavyweight gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. It was a success story that led to a massive boost in funding for elite amateur boxing in Great Britain, a change that paved the way for Amir Khan, James DeGale, Luke Campbell, Anthony Joshua, Nicola Adams and so many more.

But that contribution barely scratches the surface in terms of the impact and achievements of Oldham’s Kelvyn Travis. In paying homage to the man, Nigel Travis said:

“He’s right up there with the best unsung heroes I’ve ever known. He’s been coaching for more than 50 years and has worked tirelessly with the grassroots of our sport. He’s carried out nearly all his work as a volunteer – many hours in gyms over many, many years.

“He became a national coach and performance coach and helped set up what is now the GB Boxing centre in Sheffield. He was instrumental in all of it and has helped develop some of the elite fighters in our sport, working at the very highest level.

“He works tirelessly as an amateur and professional coach. He is in gyms around the country on a daily basis and is especially important to Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club, where he is simply known as ‘The Boss’.  I might be the head coach at the gym, but I dance to his tune. He’s everything to the gym, and he’s my Dad.”

 

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