Last Thursday, our Elite Sport students were invited to a brilliant Q&A session with British & Commonwealth Middleweight boxing champion Keiron Conway.
Local hero Kieron spoke passionately about the importance of character and perseverance throughout his life, especially in his formative years at school and, more recently, during his boxing career.
He said, "School is the foundation for life"... whilst he admitted he struggled with friendship groups at times, all because he was so determined to realise his goals from an early age. Actually, all the people who said that his dreams were unrealistic did nothing more than make him more determined to be a Champion, he admitted.
From the moment he began speaking, it was clear that Kieron’s journey into boxing had been driven not just by physical strength but by character, discipline, and passion. One of the most surprising insights he shared was about his role model. Rather than looking up to an older, more experienced mentor, Kieron’s greatest inspiration came from a peer his own age. The way this peer carried himself, both inside and outside the ring, deeply resonated with Kieron and helped shape his own ambitions. It was a powerful reminder that role models can come from anywhere, and sometimes the people who inspire us most are standing right beside us.
A highlight of the talk was when Kieron described the moment he turned professional—a lifelong dream finally realised. Years of early mornings, strict training regimes, sacrifices, and unwavering commitment had led to that milestone. He spoke with pride about the sense of achievement that washed over him, showing students that big dreams can come true when matched with hard work and focus & even a supportive teacher!
But Kieron didn’t shy away from discussing the more challenging moments either. Instead of calling them losses, he described them as learning lessons—setbacks that strengthened him, shaped him, and ignited an even greater hunger for success. Every challenge built resilience, and every disappointment fuelled his determination to come back stronger and more successful.
High points included winning the belt he bought in to show the students, fighting on the Canelo undercard and winning bouts in the USA, Japan, and England.
The students were gripped by footage from his win over Gerome Warburton in May this year and the details of his training camp in the build-up to the fight.
Students listened intently as he reflected on the formidable opponents he has faced throughout his career. He described the best fighters as those who showed hunger, passion, and unwavering professionalism not only in the ring but in everyday life. These athletes pushed him to his limits, making every bout more thrilling and every victory more meaningful.
The session became even more engaging when students were given the chance to ask questions. Their curiosity sparked thoughtful and often humorous conversations—ranging from whether fighters get paid to how it feels to punch or knock out another person. Kieron answered openly and honestly, weaving in personal stories that kept the hall buzzing with interest.
One theme that ran strongly throughout his talk was the importance of family. For Kieron, they are his greatest motivation. He spoke passionately about how his desire to make them proud drives him forward, and how, even in moments of defeat, returning home to the support and love of his family makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
In his closing message, Kieron encouraged students to recognise the value of their education. School, he said, laid the foundations for his own success—shaping him into a disciplined, focused individual ready to take on the world. He also stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and the dangers of falling into the wrong crowd.
Kieron’s talk was nothing short of inspirational. His honesty, energy, and ability to connect with students left a lasting impression, motivating many to reflect on their own goals and the steps they can take to achieve them. It was a powerful reminder that success isn’t just about talent—it’s about discipline, perseverance, and the people you choose to walk alongside.
Thank you, Keiron. We will all be supporting you in your next fight!