SHAUN DINWIDDYGloucestershire boxer Shaun Dinwiddy, who fought more than 70 fights at light-welterweight in a promising amateur boxing career during the 1980s, died at the age of 43 in May 2010.The talented puncher, originally from Bishop's Cleeve, was known for his fast hands, fearless attitude and eye for the knockout.Those who knew him best paid tribute to a fierce competitor who was a true gentleman when he was out of the ring.Mike Kelly, Shaun's trainer at the Grosvenor Boxing Club during the early 1980s, said: “He was a brilliant fighter."He worked hard and had potential as a youngster."If he'd have carried on boxing he could have gone on to win a British amateur title."Born in 1966, Shaun grew up in Bishop's Cleeve and attended St Benedict's School.He got into boxing at a young age as a way to stay out of trouble.As he got more fights under his belt he fought opponents above his weight, taking on former WBC Super Middleweight champion Glenn Catley and former British Middleweight champion Robert McCracken before they turned professional.Close friend and fellow amateur Alan Cook said: "He was a great bloke and could have been a really top fighter."He would take on anyone. He only lost a handful of fights and some of the guys he took on went on to perform at the highest level."After suffering a broken hand in the ring, Shaun was forced to give up dreams of a career in prize fighting, finishing with an amateur record of 78 fights with 55 wins.He hung up his gloves and concentrated on coaching, working as a fitness instructor at Cheltenham Leisure Centre.Friend Pete White said Shaun's fearless attitude in the ring was only matched by his generosity out of it."He was a true gentleman," he said."Shaun was the sort of guy who would do anything for you. He had a heart of gold."Boxing was his life and he knew the sport inside out, but he wasn't just a good fighter. He went on to become a top coach who was brilliant at getting youngsters involved in the sport."There was no one better on the pads to give you a good workout."
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