Boxer Jeffries tells of pride for his home city

May 12 2008 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

OLYMPICS-bound boxer Tony Jeffries has been invited to be a world-wide ambassador for Sunderland and the light-heavyweight is determined to repay his home city bringing back a medal from this summer’s Games.

The 23-year-old, who will compete for Britain in Beijing, becomes only the fifth person to be given the honour following Dave Stewart, Kate Adie, Niall Quinn and Denise Robertson. Jeffries had no hesitation in accepting but is determined to promote the city the best way he can – by claiming a gold medal in China.

“It’s great news,” he said. “I can’t believe it. I’m just a normal lad who used to live in a council estate and now I’m going to be an ambassador for the city.

“I’m proud of Sunderland, it’s a great honour really.

“All I know is Niall Quinn is an ambassador for Sunderland and he’s a real legend so to be up there with him is great. I love the city. I’m really proud of coming from Sunderland and I’d love to bring an Olympic medal back.”

Jeffries, whose name will now be used to promote the city, believes he owes a debt to its residents for spurring him to reach Beijing in the first place.

“I’m trying to keep Sunderland on the map and everyone’s behind me,” he said.