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I still remember the first day I met Eddie Kelly. I was sixteen, nervous, and didn’t really know what I was walking into when I stepped into FiveStar Amateur Boxing Club. Before I could even settle in, I heard this booming voice across the gym shouting instructions, jokes, and encouragement all at once — that was Eddie. Loud, energetic, and full of life. Within minutes, he had everyone laughing and working twice as hard. That’s when I knew this man wasn’t just a coach — he was something else.

Eddie’s been involved in boxing for nearly twenty-five years. He started fighting when he was fifteen and, by the time he was about twenty-four, he decided to dedicate himself to coaching. He gave up competing, not because he fell out of love with the sport, but because he realised his true gift was bringing the best out of others. Since then, he’s been shaping boxers — and people — ever since.

At FiveStar, Eddie’s not just the head coach; he’s the heartbeat of the place. He’s trained countless national champions and built the kind of gym where everyone feels welcome, from kids throwing their first punches to pros chasing titles. What makes Eddie different is that he gives the same energy and attention to everyone. One moment he’s working the pads with a ten-year-old, the next he’s fine-tuning a professional’s technique — and somehow, he’s cracking jokes the entire time.

His sense of humour is one of his secret weapons. Even during the toughest sessions, when everyone’s exhausted, he’ll drop a one-liner that has the whole gym laughing. But that’s Eddie — he knows when to push, and he knows when to lighten the mood. He’ll joke with you one second and then have you running that last round twice over because, as he likes to say, “If you’ve still got breath to laugh, you’ve got energy to train.”

Five years ago, Eddie took his coaching to the professional level, where his drive and knowledge shone even brighter. He helped guide Hamza Sheeraz to his first major professional title — the WBO Super Welterweight European Championship. Watching Eddie in that corner, shouting, pacing, celebrating — it was like seeing all those years of hard work come full circle. But even after that success, he was straight back in the gym with the amateurs the next morning, coaching the kids as if nothing had changed. That’s who he is — no ego, just passion.

For me, Eddie’s been more than a coach — he’s been a mentor, a motivator, and a constant presence in my journey. He’s been by my side from the very start, training me from a 16-year-old with no experience to where I am now, part of the Team GB Podium Squad. Every milestone, every setback, he’s been there. He believes in consistency, effort, and honesty — and he’s never shy about giving you the truth, even when it’s hard to hear.

He often says, “It’s not just about winning fights — it’s about winning in life.” And that’s the essence of who he is. Eddie teaches more than boxing; he teaches discipline, resilience, and belief. He pushes you to be your best, but he never lets you forget to enjoy the process.

FiveStar Boxing Club isn’t just a gym — it’s a family, and Eddie’s energy and humour are what hold it all together. He’s the reason so many of us feel at home there. You can walk in tired, stressed, or doubting yourself, and within minutes, Eddie’s got you laughing, sweating, and believing again.

When people ask me about Eddie Kelly, I don’t just talk about the titles or the years of experience. I talk about the man who made me believe in myself, the coach who gives his time to everyone, and the friend who still finds a way to make you laugh while you’re gasping for air.

Eddie Kelly has been in boxing for twenty-five years — but his spirit, his humour, and his passion will inspire fighters for generations to come.

Thanks Eddie