A young boxer from Isleworth has been backed for a big future in the sport by no higher an authority than George Groves.
Groves landed the European super-middleweight title last weekend with a majority decision victory over Frenchman Christopher Debrasse at Wembley.
The Saint, who also lives in Isleworth, was helped in his warm up for the bout by training with Archie Hutchins, who has recently returned to west London after a spell living in Hampshire.
Hutchins boxes for Westside Gym, based behind the North Star pub in Whitton Road, Hounslow, under former pro John Holland, who matched Groves with him.
Holland said: “Archie was an integral part of George's perpetrations. I thought he had a similar style to George's opponent as he is an upright boxer with a tight defence and a small jab. He is also a good counter puncher and a similar size, so it made sense to involve Archie in the training camp.
“George was very impressed with Archie and thinks he will be a great boxer, while Archie is convinced George will be a world champion inside a year, putting west London boxing on the map again, then hopes to continue that success after George retires.
“Archie is hoping to one day be as successful as George having seen the hard work he puts into every training session. He gained so much from the camp and will become a much better boxer for the experience.
“I've known George for a number of years since his days being trained by the great Mick Delaney and was so pleased he give Archie the chance to work inside a world class training camp. I would like to thank George and his camp for making this happen.
Despite being aged just 20, Hutchins, who won a junior ABA title at the age of 17 and has also boxed for England, has already fought 56 bouts, winning 39. Having boxed at at light heavyweight, the coaches at Westside are now trying to bring him down to middleweight.
He is next in action tomorrow (Friday) as the main bout on a show being put on in Chigwell, Essex, by former British, Commonwealth and World featherweight champion Colin McMillan.
