Cumbrian Boxing ref makes 2012 plea

11th September 2008

Cumbria ’s top boxing referee is in with a chance of taking part in the London 2012 Olympics - but needs sponsorship to make the dream a reality.

Alvin Finch, 42, who is well known across the county’s close-knit boxing community, has been selected as one of only eight referees to contend for a place on the four-man GB refereeing team at London 2012.

But the father-of-four must prove between now and then that he has what it takes to make the final cut by refereeing at as many tournaments as he can. The painter and decorator, already officiates at 700 bouts a year both in Cumbria and abroad but does not get paid and is looking to raise £1500 every year until the games.

He is a regular face at all of Cumbria’s 11 boxing clubs – refereeing bouts in Carlisle, Barrow, Kendal, Whitehaven, Penrith, Ambleside, Windermere and Cleator Moor and regularly talent spots and recommends Cumbrian fighters.

To meet the standard expected by the Amateur Boxing Association, Alvin must also take part in overseas tournaments, which can last as long as 10 days. He has refereed in countries like Rome, Russia, Serbia, France, Germany, Poland, Canada and Hungary.

Alvin only ever receives basic expenses and as little as £7 a day for his meals. He also has to regularly take time off work, spend time away from his family, use his holiday entitlement and meet his costs.

Alvin, a former professional featherweight, said: “I would feel really proud to represent Cumbria at the London 2012 Olympics but I need to be able to keep doing tournaments at that level which is difficult because there are costs involved and it is all voluntary.

“It doesn’t matter to me if I’m refereeing a bout between two 11-year-old novices in their first fight at a Cumbrian boxing club or Americans at the Hilton Hotel in London. Boxing is in my blood and I would love to go to the Games.”

During his prime, Alvin was the top fighter for his weight in the whole of the North West, as well as Cumbria’s champion for four years on the trot.

As well as refereeing, he is a member of the Boxing Executive committee for East Cheshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man and uses his time in the ring to pick out Cumbrian boxing stars like 16-year-old Calum Pearson from Barrow, the junior ABA National champion, who Alvin tips to be a force at the next Olympics.

Alvin ’s close friends include England national coach Mick Gannon and GB coach Terry Edwards; who masterminded world middleweight champion James DeGale’s gold medal in Beijing.

Based in Kendal, Alvin began his boxing career at the age of nine at the town’s Beezon Road club. He already has the backing of Coun Brendan Jameson – the chairman of Cumbria’s 2012 Committee, and leader of South Lakeland District Council.

Coun Jameson said: “We hear a lot about athletes flying the flag for Cumbria but not officials. They are the best at what they do but face the same struggle to raise money.Alvin is one of the top referees in Great Britain and it would be a crying shame if he did not go to the Games.”