A boxer with Down's syndrome has sparred in his dream boxing match.
Jake Edwards 21, from Llantwit Major, has fought against stereotypes surrounding Down's syndrome and sparred in the ring with former Welsh professional boxing world champion Lee Selby.
The match took place October 5 at The Vale Hotel as part of a charity boxing event held biannually by South Wales Police.
The event, saw many boxers raise money for charities of their choice and gave Jake the opportunity to spar against his idol.
“Lee’s been fantastic with him, all the trainers and the coaches really took to Jake, and the boxers took him under his wing.”
Lee practises boxing at his local club in Llantwit Major. (Llantwit Major boxing club). However, due to Welsh amateur boxing association rules he cannot compete professionally because of his Down syndrome.
Lee also suffers with diabetes and raised £900 at the event for Diabetes UK and the Welsh Air Ambulance which were his chosen charities.
“He’s broken down so many people’s perceptions on Down's syndrome and diabetes itself, he just takes the world on the chin.
“This is a kid that they said would have no muscle tone, no coordination, and he’d be dead at 35. Yet, there he is with the former champion boxing his little heart out.”
Former champion Lee Selby 37, commented on the experience saying: “He said he was training for a fight, and I didn’t believe him, and then I spoke to Mark, and he’d said he’d been training and was due to box one of his coaches.
“They were a little bit worried, putting him in the ring for a fight so I said I’d step in the ring, and he loved it, and I loved it too and it felt good to put the boxing gloves on again since retiring.”
Lee is an ambassador for charity Empire fighting chance and aims to set up something similar in Wales. He said: “I run a boxing gym and am doing amateur classes but what I’m looking to do, is set up my own charity.
“Using boxing as the tool of engagement, it teaches kids discipline and respect for others, self-respect, healthy living and diet, and it gives you routine.”
The match itself even reignited Lee’s love of boxing. Lee said: “After being in the ring it relit that spark. I’d like to get back in shape, I’ve been offered some bare-knuckle boxing contracts, and I could possibly go back to professional boxing as well.”
Both Jake and Lee have been invited to attend a ceremony held by the Welsh Air Ambulance at the Cardiff heliport next Monday in thanks for the money, Jake raised sparring.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here