Khan pays tribute to rising star Fury
Boxing ace Amir Khan paid tribute to rising sensation Hugh Fury after the youngster became Gloves Community Centre’s first junior ABA national champion.
As the younger cousin of heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury, and fighting out of Khan’s gym, the teenager had some big boots to fill during the recent junior ABA tournament but he showed he was more than up for the challenge as he convincingly out pointed Charlie Eastwood (Epsom & Ewell ABC) 20-11 in the final to claim the 91kg title.
The Amateur Boxing Association (ABA) was initially formed in 1880 for the supervision, promotion and development of the sport of amateur boxing in England and its titles are now recognised as the pinnacle of domestic amateur boxing.
Having previously won the CYP finals last year, Khan was delighted to see Fury claim the junior ABA accolade and also earn a call up to the England team.
“It’s is a fantastic achievement by Hugh and I’m really pleased that he has managed to win a junior ABA and become Gloves Community’s very first junior ABA champion,” said Khan.
“The amateur ranks isn’t easy because there is so much competition from up and down the country so for me to see Hugh pull this off is testament to all the hardwork that he, and all the staff, have been doing in the gym,” he said.
“Tommy Battle, who was my first ever amateur coach, has done an excellent job with all the kids at the gym and they all have tremendous respect for him,” Khan said.
“Hugh has a very bright future in the sport and my message to him is to keep working hard and eventually he will achieve all his goals because nothing comes easy in boxing,” Khan added.
Gloves Community Centre was built by Khan in 2005 to help keep kids of the streets and the success of Fury shows that it is serving its purpose by giving youngsters the chance to reach their dreams.
“It was an amazing experience for me winning a junior ABA title,” said Fury. “It meant so much to me especially after all the hardwork and time I put in. All the staff at the gym have been brilliant and I would like to thank them for all their help along the way,” he said.
“I didn’t let any of the pressure get to me and just went in the ring and followed the instructions I was given by Tommy. I hope this is just the start for me because there is so much more I want to achieve in the future,” Fury said.
