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Sport

Brothers Louis Anderson and Connor Anderson, of Leos Lion's Boxing Club in Gravesend, win gold and silver at Amateur Alliance Schools Championships in Bristol

By: Thomas Reeves treeves@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 05:00, 24 February 2024

Updated: 13:00, 26 February 2024

Hard work has paid off for two boxing brothers at a national championships.

Louis Anderson, 11, took gold at this month’s Amateur Alliance Schools Championships in the 34kg category while 14-year-old brother Connor Anderson claimed silver in the 44kg category.

Brothers Louis and Connor Anderson enjoyed success at the Amateur Alliance Schoolboy Championships

The Anderson boys have boxed at other clubs in Gravesend and Armour Plated Boxing in Medway, but have found a home at Northfleet’s Leo’s Lions ABC.

On how often they train at the club, dad Daniel said: “It’s every night - except Fridays.

“On Mondays, it’s three hours, Tuesdays are one hour, and then, Wednesdays and Thursdays are three hours.

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“They put a lot of time in down there. That’s probably why they get the results, but they love it.

“They live and breathe it. Every day, they go out running and a 5k run is nothing for them.

Victorious youngster Louis Anderson has been dubbed "Mini Mike" Tyson by coaches at Leo's Lions ABC

“The hardest years are probably between 14 and 21. Can I keep them boxing?

“Who knows? But they’re both doing okay.”

Leo’s Lions ABC is based by Leo’s The Red Lion pub on Crete Hall Road.

Daniel explained: “The club has only been running for three years and Louis is the fourth [national] champion already!

“Alvin [Martin] is the main coach there. The pub gives them the space in the basement and they rely on sponsors to get new equipment.

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“But it’s just a great club and a great place.”

It was a superb achievement for both to make their respective Finals, as Connor was beaten by a split decision at Bristol’s Hengrove Park Leisure Centre – ironically by Oakley Andrews from nearby North Kent ABC in Greenhithe – while Louis saw off Double J’s Riley Eastwood.

Daniel said: “Connor wouldn’t agree. He didn’t speak all the way home!

“He wanted gold. If I’m honest with you, he should have won it.

“But the other boy was good - as good as Connor - and you want to think your children are the best, because they’re your children, but there are other good kids there.

“He was as good as Connor. It was a really close call.

“I had it Connor just about won it and so did his coach - but he didn’t.”

On their boxing styles, their father stated: “Louis is a miniature Mike Tyson.

“Everyone at the club calls him ‘Mini Mike’ - because he does sort of walk through your punches and take you to pieces! That’s just the sort of kid he is.

“Connor is a bit more tactful and tactical.”

The competitive nature of the siblings’ rivalry extends outside the ring, too.

Daniel said: “They don’t stop! Even at home, it’s just constant.

“It’s got to the point where I’ve taken the PlayStation away because they were fighting over that - so I just thought ‘Let’s get rid of it’.

“But then, do you know what I had to do? I had to go out and buy them a PlayStation 5. So, that was a silly mistake!

“They are competitive. I think boys are at that age - but they’re good kids.”

Call 07564 427269 if you are interested in joining Leo’s Lions ABC.

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