WELSH boxing stars of the future were the special guests of Monmouth MP David Davies at a high profile reception in the House of Commons on Monday.
Youngsters from Chepstow Amateur Boxing Club rubbed shoulders with former world featherweight champion Barry McGuigan and commentator Duke McKenzie at the launch of thenewly re-formed All Party Parliamentary Group on Boxing.
Mr Davies invited the young enthusiasts to the event in his capacity as President of the Welsh Amateur Boxing Association. They were joined by members of Brecon, Trostre and Towy Amateur Boxing Clubs, with complimentary travel to London supplied by First Great Western.
Earlier, the lads were treated to a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster by Mr Davies before trading their gloves for tea and cake.
Mr Davies, who has himself competed in several charity boxing bouts under his alias the ‘Tory Tornado’, said: “None of the young men who came on the visit had ever been to Parliament before, but at least one said afterwards that he would like to become an MP.
“It was a pleasure to give all of those who took part the opportunity to get out of the gym and see something a bit different. The icing on the cake for the lads was the chance to meet icons like Barry McGuigan and Duke McKenzie and to get their autographs. These memories will be treasured for life and we are all very grateful to First Great Western for enabling the trip to happen”.
Mark Hopwood, Managing Director of First Great Western, added, “I am delighted we could help. We pride ourselves on being a part of the community in the areas we serve and this was a wonderful opportunity to support some great young aspiring athletes”.