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 celebrate Amanda and Derek Groarke - nominated by former Commonwealth champion Stacey Copeland.

The hard working couple run the Hook and Jab gym in Warrington and are an inspiration to all. "Amanda is one of the most highly qualified female coaches in the world and she was an incredible support for me when I won a silver medal at the Europeans [championship]. From the elite level through to grassroots they're amazing," said Stacey.

"The support they give people in their community goes way beyond boxing. I think that's quite special. Aunty Mandy and Uncle Derek! Mandy works with GB [boxing] but they also have their regular gym and were putting on regional squads before there was a talent  pathway for girls and women like me who didn't have other females to spar with. They brought loads of us together, to develop us. There are millions of examples of what they've done to help people in the sport."

Nominate your boxing unsung hero via the contact page at:

www.maverickstars.co.uk

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