Dalton Smith backs scheme giving youngsters new hope
"For me boxing was a crucial part of my development, for a kid, not just as a fighter”
Sheffield world champion Dalton Smith has given his seal of approval to a new boxing scholarship in Rotherham for teenage students.
Maltby Academy today hosted what they describe as a unique opportunity for 16-to-19 year olds to pursue sporting ambitions while continuing academic studies in sixth form.
The DC Boxing Scholarship programme will also develop the "discipline, resilience, leadership and determination" required to succeed both inside and outside the ring."
Steel City's Smith, the WBC super-lightweight world champion who defends his crown against Alberto Puello on October 24 at Sheffield Arena, grew up in a boxing environment from the age of six, choosing the sport over football.
By his early teens, Smith was winning major national competitions, but more importantly developing under the guidance of his father and trainer, Grant.
An international medallist at 17, he represented Britain as a young senior, won the ABA title at 21, turned professional at 22, and became world champion in the US at 28.
There couldn't have been a better role model for the youngsters at Maltby this afternoon, as he toured the facility, spoke to boxing hopefuls and signed autographs.
Smith, 29, said he was impressed with the facilities.
He said he would have loved to have had access to them during his time at City School.
"For me boxing was a crucial part of my development, for a kid, not just as a fighter," he said.
"It taught me morals, respect - how to conduct myself.
"It can be a huge part of growing up for both boys and girls."
He said boxing's positive influence on society in Maltby was the latest incarnation of what Brendan Ingle brought to the Wincobank.
"Brendan did a great job for the community and I think it is up for us to pass that legacy on" he said.
The Maltby teens will be trained by DC Boxing (Developing Communities through Boxing) run by Ian Huddleston, who ran a similar regime up until recently at Dinnington High School.
Ian, DC's chief executive officer, said: It is about giving young people a chance to learn skills they might not get anywhere else, and it's not just boxing.
"It will help them get into the (jobs) market or get into Uni or if they want to they can do extra training and do boxing or coaching.
"They don't have to pay for this, it is all part of the school programme with Maltby."
He said the sessions were within the timetable, three afternoons a week - conditioning, boxing and coaching.
"It will be bespoke to every young person that comes through."
He said they would be treated like real boxers in a pre-fight camp.
"Getting the next Dalton Smith would be nice but our main aim is to give young people a bit more hope."
The event was backed by Empire Fighting Chance, a charity that uses the power of boxing to support young people facing inequality.
DC Boxing and Maltby Academy are also working with Matchroom and Empire Fighting Chance on the scholarship.
The launch comes at a time when communities across the country are pursuing new ways to keep youngsters engaged in education and create positive pathways into adulthood.
FACTFILE: Smith's young career in 10 bullet points
2011: National Schools champion at 44kg.
2012: National Junior Championship runner-up at 52kg, losing to Charlie Kenny.
2013: National Junior champion at 57kg.
2013: Reached the World Junior Championship quarter-finals at 57kg.
2014: National Youth champion at 60kg.
2014: Won European Youth silver at 60kg and reached the World Youth Championship quarter-finals.
2015: Retained his National Youth title at 60kg and won Commonwealth Youth bronze.
2015: At the Commonwealth Youth Games, beat Harrison (Harry) Garside, then lost to Tiernan Bradley in the semi-final.
2016–18: Competed for the British Lionhearts in the World Series of Boxing, including bouts at 64kg against elite senior opposition.
2018: Won the National Elite/ABA Championship at 64kg, beating Cory O'Regan in the semi-final and Isaac Milburn in the final.