THE young son of a Welsh former football star is fighting his way to the top in the boxing ring.
Tommy Speed, 11, son of former Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United and Bolton Wanderers midfielder Gary Speed, is preparing to compete in the national semi-finals of the Royal Navy Schoolboys’ Championships.Tommy, who trains at Chester Boxing Club, has been fighting competitively for less than a year but coaches say he is already displaying the makings of a talented sportsman.
Club secretary Nigel Middlehurst said: “Tommy won the Merseyside and Cheshire championships, bypassed the quarter finals and will now fight in the semi-final on February 21.
“He’s a good lad and he really enjoys boxing. He used to be quiet and shy, but he has really come out of himself recently and his confidence is growing.”
Dad Gary, who was born in Mancot and went on to captain Wales, said: “Tommy has been training in boxing for about 18 months and I’m really proud of him.
“He’s really enjoying boxing, but is still in to his football.
“But it doesn’t bother me if he doesn’t follow in my footsteps.
“It’s not about me. It’s about Tommy and what he wants to do.”