Boxer Alfie aiming to pull on England vest

The 18-year-old learned his trade at Bognor Boxing Club and Ockley Boxing Club but has now switched to Brighton to further his career.

His Bognor family are proud of his efforts so far and hopeful he will continue to punch above his weight on his way to fame.

Haven, who has featured in the Observer for a number of notable wins as a junior, told how it was his dad Patrick’s love of boxing that got him interested in life in the ring about seven years ago.

“My dad took me to the gym at the age of 11 and I’ve been training and dedicating myself to it ever since,” said Haven.

“Getting onto the AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship In Sporting Excellence) boxing course at Brighton City College was brilliant for me.

“I have been working with my coach Adam Haniver there for the past two years and he has brought me on so much.

“I do technical, tactical, physical and mental training – it’s next-level training. I don’t represent or box for AASE, it’s just an extension of training for my current boxing club Moulescoomb.”

Haven said he started at Bognor ABC, then moved to Ockley ABC, which is also in Bognor.

But he added: “When I had to move to Brighton for the AASE course, I had to look at the options for a Brighton clubs. I eventually chose Moulescoomb because I feel they coach the technical and tactical side of boxing very extensively and there is always a learning objective in sessions and that is what I want.

“I want to be a better boxer all the time – I don’t just want to go to a club and hit a bag. Also it’s a no-nonsense club – you go there and get on with your hard work; it’s a focused environment. So it was the perfect club for the type of person I am. And I am now boxing at under 60kg.

“I want to stay here next boxing season and continue to box for them. So I will have to work to get somewhere to stay and provide for myself.

“My ultimate ambition is to represent England and get an England vest as an amateur. It’s going to take an extreme amount of work for me to achieve, but I believe in myself.

“That is why I am dedicating my life towards achieving my goal – I am a 100 per cent athlete 365 days a year and will do anything I can to better myself.

“I don’t drink, smoke, or surround myself with negative people because I want to be achieve that goal. I visualise myself achieving it all the time and know how much it would mean to me.”

Haven needs sponsors to support his efforts – anyone interested in backing him can call him on 07713 184441.

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