Skegby boxer emulates Anthony Joshua with prestigious gold medal

Could Mansfield boxer Jordan Cameron be all set to follow in the footsteps of world champion Anthony Joshua?
PACKING A PUNCH -- Jordan Cameron, who emulated Anthony Joshua by winning a gold medal at the Haringey Box Cup.PACKING A PUNCH -- Jordan Cameron, who emulated Anthony Joshua by winning a gold medal at the Haringey Box Cup.
PACKING A PUNCH -- Jordan Cameron, who emulated Anthony Joshua by winning a gold medal at the Haringey Box Cup.

That is the question being asked after a victory described as “mind-blowing” at one of amateur boxing’s most prestigious events.

The 26-year-old Joshua, a gold medallist at the Olympic Games in London in 2012, is the current IBF world heavyweight champion, having previously held the British, Commonwealth and WBC international heavyweight titles.

But he is also one of many big-name fighters who have won gold medals at the Haringey Box Cup, the biggest amateur boxing competition to take place in Europe. A second Olympic gold medallist at London, Nicola Adams, is among others.

Now they have been joined by the 20-year-old Cameron, who fights for the Empire Amateur Boxing Club, based at Skegby.

For he boxed three times in as many days to land the under-6lkg category and collect a prized gold medal. In the final, he beat River-Wilson-Bent, of Exhall in Warwickshire, thanks to a 2-1 majority verdict.

“It’s mind-blowing,” declared Empire’s head coach Richard Wheldon. “He beat three of the best lads in the country in three gruelling and shattering days.

“He boxed absolutely fantastic, never placing a foot wrong. It just goes to show that dreams do come true. This gold medal is a dream both for Jordan and for myself after coaching him for the last six years.”

As many as 550 male and female boxers from all over the country, and further afield, converged on Alexandra Palace in London for the Haringey Box Cup. There were even fighters from Nepal.

Competition took place over three consecutive days in five rings in the giant hall of the venue, and golds were only won by the very best in each category. This year, a staggering total of 296 bouts took place

Empire put forward super-heavyweight Ellis Machin for the event, as well as Cameron. He was beaten in the first round, but only on a close points’ decision.

Added Wheldon: “Both lads boxed out of their skin and produly represented the Midlands in a fantastic manner.”

The Empire club is based at a gym on Legion Drive, off Mansfield Road in Skegby and is open from 10 am to 8 pm Mondays to Fridays and from 9 am to 2 pm on Saturdays. The gym boasts a range of facilities, including a weights room, and classes to suit all ages and abilities.

Anyone interested in having a go at amateur boxing or going to watch Jordan Cameron train should contact 07968 369342 or just pop along to one of the club’s sessions.