Teen boxer lands St Neots boxing academy its first ever title at local event

A teenage boxer from Lee Kemp Boxing Academy has secured the club’s first ever title after winning at the Last Man Standing boxing event in Bedford.

The event, held at Bedford Athletics Centre on Saturday, November 1, featured 15 bouts in front of a sit-down audience.

Four fighters from the academy were on the card, including 14-year-old Harry Gartside, who won his title fight by technical knockout (TKO) in the second round. The bout had been billed as evenly matched, with coaches describing it as a “50/50 fight”.

The win marks the first title for the academy since it began competitive boxing full-time two and a half years ago. The club also recorded three victories on the night in total. Its youngest entrant, 11-year-old “Rapid Robbie”, opened the event.

Academy owner Lee Kemp said the result was a milestone achievement for the small private gym, which operates from a converted marquee structure. He thanked coaches, fighters and supporters for their backing.

“This is our first ever title as an academy and as a club and we are so proud of Harry and what we have achieved, especially on such a big show". 

Speaking after the fight, Harry described winning the Last Man Standing Junior Champion belt as “the best day ever”, adding that support from his coaches, teammates and family had helped make it possible.

“I have dreamed about this for so long and it means so much to finally make it happen,” he said. “This is a day I will never forget.”

The academy is based within Eynesbury Rovers FC and runs youth boxing sessions for ages 12–15 on Wednesdays at 5.15pm, a kids’ boxing camp for ages 8–11 on Thursdays at 6pm, and adult sessions for ages 15 and up on Mondays at 6.30pm, Thursdays at 7pm, and Saturdays at 9.30am.