NEWQUAY boxing champion Brad Pauls has been doing the rounds visiting venues in the town to show off his historic British middleweight boxing belt and help inspire the next generation.
The Newquay Bomb has visited Newquay Boardriders Grom Club, St Columb Major Boxing Academy, Newquay Football Club and his local sponsors including Wax Gym and Bertie O’Flannigan’s bar.
The 31-year-old was greeted to roar of Oggy, Oggy, Oggy when he spent time with Newquay Boardriders Grom Club at Fistral Beach. His message to the young surfers was to dream big and work hard to achieve their aspirations.
Brad became the first British boxing champion from Cornwall in 85 years after knocking out his opponent Nathan Heaney in the 12th round at the Resort World Arena in Birmingham on Saturday, July 20.
Brad said “It’s been amazing meeting so many people and sharing this big win with them.
“It’s important to show the next generation what can be achieved. When I was younger I did not have that champion or professional to look up to so hopefully I can help inspire more champions from Cornwall.”
Brad has been loving his time at home with his family and friends and the town is buzzing with excitement and joy with what the Newquay local has achieved.
Brad said: “It’s been a crazy week and I’m just enjoying this moment with everyone.
“It’s been so great to bring the belt home and recharge in the sea and on the beach on the Cornish coast.
“It’s also been lovely to have some home comforts and I’ve been given lots of pasties to celebrate. It has been great to get back to my roots and I’m continuing to make grand plans with my team for the future.”
Gary Collins from Newquay Boardriders said: “It’s been a wonderful afternoon with Brad, celebrating this achievement with him and appreciating all the hard work he has put into this big dream of his.
“It really is an incredible achievement, and we are all so proud of him. He is a real athlete, dedicated and ambitious, and it's inspiring for the kids to see that. Work hard and dream big.”