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Gypsy boxer Beijing-bound
A TRAVELLER from Hatfield with a sensational gift for boxing is the first person from the Romany gypsy community to represent Great Britain in the Olympic Games.
Billy Joe Saunders, who lives on Holwell traveller site just off the A414, punched his way to the Beijing Olympics at a qualifying tournament in Italy earlier this month.
Delighted by his success Billy Joe told the Review: "I was over the moon, I couldn't believe it.
"Boxing has taught me respect and discipline and kept me out of trouble - I wanted to do something with my life and now it's paying off."
As one of seven talented contenders to make the nation's team for this summer's games, Billy Joe is tipped for boxing glory.
But what makes the young welterweight one of the most interesting competitors is his unlikely heritage.
The 18-year-old has lived in a caravan with his family on the Hatfield site for twelve years and insists it was virtually impossible not to develop a passion for the ring as boxing was in the blood.
His 21-year-old brother Tommy is a professional, his dad was an amateur boxer and his 94-year-old grandfather, Absolom Beeny, spent many years pummeling contenders who dared challenge him to a bareknuckle boxing match at gypsy fairgrounds.
With fighters all around him, Billy Joe admits packing a mean punch came easy to him.
But the amateur sportsman insists he only clumps people when his boxing gloves are on.
He says his special talent has steered him away from trouble rather than landed him in it.
He said: "Travellers have a lot of bad publicity and a lot of bad press - I'm trying to get some good press.
"There's good and bad in everyone and I'm trying to prove I'm different from the rest who are all tarred with the same brush."
"I feel like I've earned my place. I'm doing something with my life and I'm trying to keep myself on track and become somebody."
His trip to China in August will be an amazing adventure for Billy Joe, who has only dreamed of travelling overseas.
But with his sights firmly set on victory his visit will be far from a relaxing holiday in the sun.
He admits he will even leave room in his suitcase for that all-important gold medal
1:52pm Wednesday 19th March 2008
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CommentPosted by: Liz, St Albans on 2:27pm Wed 19 Mar 08
Well done fella! Wish you all the best in your efforts!
Well done fella! Wish you all the best in your efforts!
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