Tribute to Mickey Bradshaw

England Boxing is saddened to learn of the passing of Mickey Bradshaw who was a coach, official and founder of Selby ABC.

Mickey was head coach at the club for many years, establishing a successful and far-reaching boxing club which worked tirelessly for the community and provided an avenue for young people to be their best. The club itself had seen a number of champions in recent years, largely due to Mickey’s efforts and commitment.

He was a larger-than-life character and would make every effort to befriend and talk to everyone. Mickey loved a good chat and always had his ear to the ground on what was happening in the region.

Sam Foster, Director on England Boxing’s Board, said: “When I was learning to referee, Mickey and I worked together at the Hull Box Cup. He made every effort to show me the ropes, as he had done for many volunteers/boxers and did it with a smile whilst offering great support. Mickey would often bring youngsters sparring to our gym in Doncaster and was known to help those around him, especially new clubs. On behalf of the England Boxing Board, I wish to extend our thoughts to his friends and family during this time.”

Mick Rowe, Chair of the Yorkshire Region noted: “As chair, I was deeply shocked by the news of Mickey passing. Mickey Bradshaw was a very kind person and fully committed to the Yorkshire Association. He was the Chair before me and was an active judge and referee. Mickey put hours of volunteering into the sport and was a great ambassador for the Yorkshire association. We will all miss him so much; his smile and banter at all the shows he attended will be missed – Yorkshire has lost a good guy. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this very sad time.”

Vicky Neville wrote on behalf of Selby ABC: “At Selby Boxing Academy, we mourn the loss of our head coach and founder of our club. In this difficult time, we remember the good times we had together and all the ups and downs related to the sport. Over the years, Mickey and the team produced some fantastic boxers and the sport of boxing was his passion. Mickey will be sadly missed here in Selby and also further afield. He was a well-known figure in the boxing circuit and you could usually hear him before you could see him. From all the coaches, boxers and kids at Selby Boxing Academy you will be missed and we are forever grateful we had the opportunity to be part of your life and Team Selby. Fly high Coach. RIP.”

It is clear to see the impact that Mickey had on so many people – the number of coaches and volunteers who have spoken of Mickey, far beyond the Yorkshire region, is a living testament to the contributions he made to the boxing community across the country. Our sport is all the poorer without him.