Ash Lane has just written British boxing’s feel-good story of the year.
The hard journeyman from the Sanigars’ gym in Bristol became a champion with a points win over Michael Ramabeletsa in Swindon that earned the vacant Commonwealth super-bantamweight title.
The 26 year old then took to Facebook to post his story.
His post chronicles how a shy teenager who was forever being bullied found his confidence through boxing and went on to become a champion.
“I never wanted to be a champion,” says Lane in his post of why he took up boxing at Far Cotton ABC in Northampton just before his 15th birthday.
“I just didn’t want to be bullied.”
The post ends with: ‘Never ever give up . . . Anything is possible’ – and Lane says his story is inspiring others.
He told Boxing Social: “I have a lot of messages from people who are in trouble.
“They say they can relate to me and that my story has given them a bit of belief and confidence.
“I was a shy kid with a lisp, always being bullied, always picked last for the football teams at school and now here I am, the Commonwealth super-bantamweight champion!
“I can’t believe it.”
Lane says the turning point was when he replied to a Jamie Sanigar post on Facebook.
“Jamie put on Facebook asking: ‘Does anyone want to spar Lee Haskins ?’” remembered Lane.
“I didn’t know who Lee Haskins was!
“My mate told me Haskins was really good and that it was a great opportunity for me.
“I had the ‘flu, but I went and sparred Haskins anyway and I’m glad I did. If I hadn’t I wouldn’t be where I am now.
“I started going there once a week and I told Lee who I had no money or food and he took me to Jamie Sanigar’s office.
“The next week, Jamie offered me a job and a flat to stay in.”
Under the Sanigars, Lane won the Midlands Area bantamweight title, but earlier this year, he decided the pressure of selling tickets to fight on home shows was too much and he went on the road.
Lane went on to pull off upset wins over Thomas Kindon (10-0) and Paul Economides (20-6) to secure his Commonwealth-title shot on Saturday night.
He won unanimously on points, reversing a six-round points defeat five years ago, and said: “I haven’t slept since!
“I am the happiest man on Earth.”
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