Former Millwall Community Trust (MCT) Alternative Provision (AP) Programme student George O’Neill has been crowned England Boxing National 80+kg Champion 2025.
George began his journey on MCT’s AP Programme in 2023 as a Year 9 student from Bromley Beacon Academy.
George stayed on the programme until the end of Year 11 where he gained vital life skill qualifications & also captained our AP football teams in numerous tournaments.
Joey Taylor, MCT's Alternative Provision Officer said: “Seeing the change in George from Year 9 through to when he departed the programme in Year 11, has been nothing short of astounding.
“George, like many of the young people we have on the programme didn’t fit the mould of a student able to succeed in a mainstream school for numerous reasons. As his time with us elapsed, George bought into the programme & was quickly identified as a leader & a serious candidate to be a future employee.
“He has left the programme with a full Level 2 Qualification in Employability, a Level 1 Qualification in Fitness & Physical Activity, First Aid certificate & has acted as role model for the younger students we have on the programme, along with captaining our AP representative teams in tournaments.
“We would love to take all the credit for George’s success but ultimately this has been down to George & him realising his potential despite the barriers he has faced in his journey through education & life.
“The support we have had from Richard, Dec & all of the staff at Bromley Beacon along with the unwavering support from George’s family, has allowed us to play a part in his story & we couldn’t be happier to see his hard work be rewarded with this title.
“We are extremely proud of George & cannot wait to see what the future holds for this inspiring young man.
John Scarborough, MCT's Education & Employability Manager added: "Unbelievable achievement for our Millwall AP Academy Student and team captain George. George since joining the Millwall programme has been an outstanding representative of both Bromley Beacon Academy school who referred him to us and also his family.
"George at times has not had it easy and his resilience to keep on pushing, keep on believing is a credit to all and great role model for others to follow.
"It is an amazing achievement considering he really only got into boxing during his two year spell with us and was coached by the legendary Don Davis Gym and his Coach Richard Davis who should take real credit for help turning George into a now national boxing champion. well done George! Millwall Community Trust are proud of you!"
Lana, George’s Mum said: “George’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
“He began his path at a behavioural school in Year 6 due to some challenges, but with the right support and guidance, everything started to change.
“As part of his Year 9 program, he joined the Millwall Community, where he discovered how to channel his energy and passion into something he truly enjoyed — football. From there, he went on to play for Croydon FC, becoming team captain, showing true leadership both on and off the pitch.
“In a short space of time, George also took up boxing — and it completely transformed him. His confidence grew, his focus sharpened, and his behaviour improved in incredible ways.
“Today, I couldn’t be prouder to say that George is the England Boxing National 80+kg Champion 2025!
“Watching his growth and transformation has been amazing, and I’m so grateful to all the teachers, coaches, and mentors who supported him along the way.
“The future is bright for George — this is only the beginning.”
Richard Davis, Bromley Beacon Academy, Behaviour Mentor & Coordinator for the Millwall Programme said: “George entered the Junior Development championships on the 80+ Category. He was only 3kg off the under 80kg mark but felt he wouldn’t be able to manage the weight cut for 4 weeks as George loves his food which meant he would be boxing guys at 110 kg and more.
“He entered the championships as an underdog because of his size but we knew he could match them with his speed, agility and ring IQ.
“Actually, he sailed passed the London competitions as nobody in London was able to enter at that weight class.
“George was in the quarter finals of the Nationals and very much dominated his opponent, who was 96 kg. Gave him 2 standing counts and won on a unanimous decision.
“Into the semi-finals, he boxed a young boy weighing in at 115 kg who was on the England platform. We felt for this fight, we decided to target the body a lot to slow his opponent down and capitalise on his speed. George went onto win via a unanimous decision & take a very big scalp in the competition.
“In the finals George, who came up against an even bigger opponent than his first & second, so our strategy was to utilise his ability to move well in the ring & land shots where he could. However, if you know George, he is a warrior & opted to fight him toe to toe.
“I must have lost my voice through each round and tried to keep him focused. His inside work was very good but ultimately, he was boxing a fridge like figure in his opponent. His perseverance, determination & the help of his family was incredible. As the final round ended, George looked towards me thinking that he had lost, but I told him you will be victorious. We held our breath & were elated to hear the ring presenter announce the decision, albeit a very close one “The winner in the blue corner, from Don Davis Boxing Academy, George O’Neil!
“Everyone was ecstatic and overcome with adulation. We couldn’t have been prouder of George & to see the hard work he has put in be rewarded with this Title.”
