Professional boxing back on the map in North Devon

Bideford Boxing Club Coach Richard Grigg, who is already a holder of a British Boxing Board of Control trainers license, has now been awarded his managers license. He is the only person in Devon and Cornwall to hold a license of this type and only the third person ever in North Devon, the last being Dick Brownson in 1990. 

Grigg had to go to London for an interview before the good news. He said: “I need to say thanks to everyone involved along the way who has helped me achieve this license. 

“Loyalty is everything for me, I have been at the same boxing club for over 20 years. Dick Kersey, who did my first corner as a boxer is still in the corner with me as a trainer. I have been with my wife Narome Grigg for 15 years and she’s supported me throughout. I have built some solid relationships in boxing over the years and they remain to this day. 

“This license is for Bideford Boxing Club and everyone connected to the club. As a young passionate coach, I was often asked by friends if my aim was to be in a professional boxing club or bigger cities with more opportunities. I explained I wasn’t going anywhere and wanted to make our club better and bring professional boxing back to Bideford.

“There have been some great people at the club before me and many alongside me today and, as a team, we continue to make it better and provide more opportunities to our boxers. 

“This loyalty will be key in my role as a manager. Through my career in the amateur and professional ranks, I have been lucky to deal with some top trainers, managers, boxers and promotors, and will continue with the same people around me. 

“We have two top undefeated prospects at the club Billy Stanbury 7-0 and Aaron Bird 2-0, I believe next year both these lads will win titles. There will be many more following in their footsteps looking to turn Professional from the South West and Wales, where Bideford has built up a good reputation.”