Approximately 150 former members of the South Norwood & Victory Amateur Boxing Club recently came together for a special reunion to honor their beloved founder and long-time coach, Terry Smith. Mr. Smith, who is now 85 years old, has spent nearly sixty years of his life dedicated to mentoring young boxers and helping them grow both in the ring and as individuals.
One of the most notable attendees at the reunion was Joshua Buatsi, a world light-heavyweight champion and 2016 Olympic bronze medallist, who also happens to be one of the club’s most famous alumni. Buatsi, who began his boxing journey under Mr. Smith’s guidance as a teenager, expressed his gratitude by saying, “Terry didn’t just teach us how to box, he taught us how to be better men. The values he instilled in me – discipline, resilience, respect – are things I carry with me every day, both in and out of the ring. I owe him so much.”
People from all over the UK traveled to attend the event, and messages of appreciation poured in from around the world, highlighting the impact Mr. Smith has had on countless lives. Reflecting on the reunion, Mr. Smith humbly stated, “I never expected anything like this. All I ever wanted was to help these boys find their way, both in boxing and in life. Seeing them all grown up and doing well – it’s the best reward I could ask for.”
Since founding the South Norwood & Victory ABC in 1979, Mr. Smith had a vision not only to train boxers but also to provide a nurturing environment where young boys and men could develop valuable life skills. Over the years, he became a mentor and role model to many aspiring athletes, guiding them towards success both inside and outside the boxing ring.
Together with his co-coaches, Mr. Smith has produced numerous champions in the amateur boxing world, some of whom have gone on to achieve great success at the professional level. Mark Gillespie, a former national junior champion and co-coach at South Norwood & Victory ABC, shared, “Like many others from the club, Terry has been like a second father to me. Beyond his incredible dedication and expertise as a boxing coach, Terry invested in us as individuals. He taught us life lessons that extended far beyond the realm of boxing.”
The lessons in resilience, responsibility, and leadership that Mr. Smith imparted to his students have had a lasting impact, shaping not only their athletic careers but also their personal and professional lives. The reunion served as a testament to the enduring legacy of Terry Smith and the profound influence he has had on generations of boxers.
