Mayor's tribute to town boxing champ

Published Monday, 15th January 2018

HARTLEPOOL’S Mayor has made a special presentation to champion boxer Kevin ‘Bulldog’ Bennett to recognise the sportsman’s personal achievements and his contribution to the town and its young people.

Kevin, who was born in Birmingham but has lived in Hartlepool for the past 20 years, was with Hartlepool Boys Welfare Amateur Boxing Club when he won the 1999 Amateur Boxing Association of England light welterweight title.

Later, as a professional, he won the 2003 Commonwealth lightweight title and successfully defended it for a further two years. He then moved into bare knuckle boxing, earning two world titles.

Now aged 42, he is passing on his skills to a new generation, spending the weekends coaching youngsters aged 10-16 at the New Welfare Gym in Lister Street.

The Mayor Councillor Paul Beck presents the plaque and certificate to Kevin Bennett, who is wearing one of his two bare knuckle boxing world title belts

The Mayor Councillor Paul Beck presents the plaque and certificate to Kevin Bennett

Presenting Kevin with a Borough of Hartlepool plaque and a ‘Recognition of Outstanding Achievement in Sport’ certificate in Civic Centre, the town’s Ceremonial Mayor Councillor Paul Beck recalled being in the audience when Kevin won his Commonwealth lightweight title in Wales.

He said: “It was amazing to see a lad from Hartlepool doing so well – it was a massive achievement.

“I am delighted to honour Kevin not just for his personal achievements but also for the excellent work he is doing to encourage youngsters to excel in sport.

“Kevin was magic in the ring and now he’s equally inspirational to our young people as well.”

Kevin – who later this year will be publishing his memoirs called ’30 Years A Fighter’ – said: “I really enjoy my coaching sessions with the young people. It gives the youngsters a positive focus, helps them stay fit and although boxing is an individual sport it generates a lot of camaraderie.”