Unsung hero honour for Sheffield boxing coach
After almost four decades of supporting Sheffield communities through his fitness and boxing programmes, Ronny Tucker has finally been recognised for his work both inside and outside the ring.
The 61-year-old founder of the Aspire Boxing Club has been acknowledged in a ceremony held by Move More, an organisation that provides a physical activity strategy for Sheffield.
They awarded him the 'Unsung Hero' accolade, at the city's Crowne Plaza.
The recognition delighted parents who have seen their children blossom under his mentorship at the Basegreen gym and elsewhere.
One mum said: "My son has been attending Aspire for almost two years. It has changed his life and subsequently mine too.
"When he started he was a very angry little boy who didn’t know where he fitted in the world.
"He was angry at everyone and everything, including me."
She said Aspire had "nurtured him and raised his confidence...coming to the gym three nights a week is the highlight of his week.
"The relationships he has built are priceless and the support and care he gets is incredible. The gym is growing...this is a valuable resource to the local community" she added.
It is that sort of testimony that persuaded Move More to select him for the honour.
Aspire started off life as Heeley Bank Boxing Club, then Handsworth, before moving to Frith Road.
Ronny explained: "We started in 1990. Now we are now the third oldest affiliated amateur boxing gym in Sheffield after the Ingles and Parson Cross."
In the club's history, Ronny has worked with boxing enthusiasts who went on to coach themselves, like Roger Sampson (Manor), Brendan Warburton (Sheffield City), Liam Wright (Wolseley Road) and Mark Howard (United In Sports).”
Aspire has 127 registered members and does not charge those coming through the door.
Which raises the question - how can the club keep going without weekly income from its 'customers?'
"We beg, steal and borrow!" Ronny joked. "We put shows on, organise raffles and constantly apply to various funders for help.
As for his recent honour, he said: "Although receiving an award for the work that we do is a fantastic achievement, we don't do what we do for awards, we do it to make a difference.
"We are a small boxing club, however we make a massive impact on people's lives.
"We are all volunteers who are willing to give up our time to help others" said Ronny, who has held many roles in the sport.
"I have been a Judge, a Time Keeper, Chairman for Yorkshire Boxing and I was the referee for one of Dalton Smith's schoolboy fights' and refereed his sister too!
"We have worked with hundreds of people and have helped people turn dreams into reality."
He said special thanks were due to Alicia Winbolt, England Boxing's Club Support officer and the whole support team at Aspire.
Meanwhile, Sheffield City Boxing Club members gave a guard of honour to Emily Asquith, 23, for becoming 2026 national amateur champion at 80kg.