HALTWHISTLE businessman Terry Christie is supporting his part-time worker Tom Hodgson in pursuing his dream of retaining his professional career in boxing.

Knowing how much the dream means to Tom, who is known in the ring as Tommy 'Hitman' Hodgson, and knowing his family, as well as being a former boxer himself, Terry knew he had to help him in any way that he could.

He said: "I used to spar with Tommy's dad and know the family well, so I gave him a part-time job to help cover costs and became a sponsor.

"I know from my own experience of being a boxer and how hard it is to go for the dream with no money.

"I never turned professional but I was at a good level, so I know how hard Tommy works.

"I watch his matches and see that he is definitely someone to watch out for and can become the next boxing superstar.

Hexham Courant:

Tommy has 11 years of amateur experience taking part in over 70 bouts to date and will not stop until he reaches the top.

Tommy, from North Shields, adds: "It means a lot to have this amount of support behind me. I am overwhelmed and very happy.

"At first I was into football and was at quite a good level for it and only picked up boxing for fitness but I found that I was really good at it and started to take it more seriously, so I swapped football to only focus on boxing. 

"I went to a gym that was best in the country at that time then I went to The Amateur Boxing Association of England Ltd (ABAE) which is the sport's national governing body and won matches there then went to GB boxing and represented the country.

"Since then I have never looked back and so far I have had six matches this year and remain unbeaten.

"My aim for the end of the year is to make sure I keep that and have nine fights unbeaten."