Calls Grow For Statue Tribute To Brendan Ingle

By Terence Dooley

Brendan Ingle died on Friday at the age of 77 and there was an immediate outpouring of praise for his achievements in the boxing world. 

Ingle’s Wincobank gym produced Naseem Hamed, Kell Brook, Johnny Nelson, and many more champions, and there have been calls to erect a statue in the city in memory of the former trainer, manager, and mentor.

Twitter users have taken to Twitter asking if there are any plans to pay lasting tribute to a man who tried to teach the kids who walked into his gym core values with one user, Nick Baker, Tweeting Lord Mayor Magid Magid directly to ask: ‘Hey @MagicMagid can you start discussion about a statue of Brendan Ingle.  A Sheffield legend, who saw no colour, class or creed.  Just tried to help people.  Show people you get it.  #statueofbrendan.’

Ingle was granted an MBE in 1998 after dedicating his life to the sport of boxing and also for his community work. 

Although his gym produced many pros, it also catered to those who just needed to get off the streets and find a bit of discipline in their daily lives. 

The gym’s status of a beacon of the community, and the wider city, has been underlined since his death and the demand for a statue is likely to remain steady up to and beyond his funeral, which will take place at Sheffield Cathedral on June 14.

In the meantime, his sons Dom and John will continue to train the likes of Brook and WBO middleweight holder Billy Joe Saunders at the gym that their father founded and built up before handing the baton over when he got older. 

Despite quietly retiring from frontline duties, Ingle remained a core figure and this was reflected by the tributes from fighters, fight figures, and everyone associated with British boxing.

Please send news and views to @Terryboxing.