Express & Star

Richie Woodhall: It's a golden era for boxing

By
Published
Last updated

Richie Woodhall insists British boxing has justified its record investment – despite unrest at the top of the sport.

moreThe West Bromwich-born world champion believes the country's top fighters can dominate the globe on the Road to Rio.

Derek Mapp was ousted as British Amateur Boxing Association's chairman last month after criticism from Scotland about the numbers of Welsh and English boxers in Team GB.

UK Sport were unhappy about the disharmony and threatened to bypass BABA and channel lottery funding directly to the boxers.

UK Sport backed down after talks last week, meaning boxing's record £13.8m funding for the Rio 2016 cycle will be distributed as normal.

Nicola Adams, Anthony Joshua and Luke Campbell won gold at London 2012 and Woodhall says boxing is producing the goods.

He said: "We're justifying the funding and boxing in the Olympics was the best sport in terms of money which has been used and medals won.

"We got three golds, a silver and bronze and, with the money they have invested, we're the best in terms of the return.

"I think boxing is really on a sound footing and long may that continue.

"Rob McCracken is the head coach and has a lot of experience.

"The coaches he has put in place are the best in the world and the boys we've got here are the best I have ever seen."

It meant the world to win titles on home turf - Full interview with Richie Woodhall in your Weekend Express & Star