Swindon boxer has bright future

Haydon Young, narrowly missed out on taking the title of best Under-14 Schoolboy boxer in England, but says he’s as keen as ever to represent his country in the future.

Haydon Young, aged 13 and a pupil at Lawn Manor Academy, won the Western Counties final earlier this year and went on to beat the North Eastern Counties champion in the Schoolboys Under-14 championships. 

Despite winning five of his last six fights, Haydon didn’t quite manage to overcome opponent Paddy McDonagh in the final of the England Boxing National Championships 2022.

Talking about his experience at the championships, Haydon said: “I felt nervous warming up before the final, but once I got inside the ring I felt excited. The semis felt exciting, but the final was even better. When I was beaten I was a bit disappointed, but I could tell that I have really improved since last year. I’d like to go into boxing professionally.”

Haydon’s father Kelvin, who himself has professional boxing pedigree with a 28-bout career as a light-heavyweight, said he is very proud of the work that Haydon has put in this year, and that his future in boxing looks bright.

Kelvin said: “Haydon did really well to be one of the best two in the country”. He added that Haydon ‘worked very hard, and gave up football for a few months so that he could concentrate on his boxing.’

Whilst Haydon didn’t win the title of Under-14 Schoolboy boxer in England, his father said: “He’s now on the pathway to becoming part of the England Team. He’ll have four training sessions at Sheffield with the GB squad, where they’ll see what he can do in the gym. We’re very proud of him.”

Haydon, who is a member of Lydney Amateur Boxing Club and is trained by Bryan Higgs as well as by dad Kelvin, said boxing in the final has given him some excellent experience.

He added: “I train from Monday to Thursday, then do some sparring on Saturdays and Sundays, and like boxing very much." 

Connect teacher Chris Fox of Lawn Manor Academy, which is part of the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy Trust, said that Haydon’s commitment to training in order to reach his full potential is exemplary. 

Talking about how Young represented Lawn Manor Academy’s values, Chris said: “At Lawn Manor Academy we encourage and support pupils to do the very best they can in whichever fields their talents lie."

He added: “Haydon has really committed himself to his chosen sport, and understands that by putting in the hard work he can go really far. We are very proud of his achievements, and we will be watching his career with great interest in the future.”