Hundreds turned out on Friday to bid a final farewell to legendary Stevenage boxing trainer Terry Emberson, who has died at the age of 79.
Terry, who coached at Stevenage Boxing Club for more than 18 years, passed at the town’s Lister Hospital on March 1. He coached fighters to more than 50 domestic and European titles, and at Stevenage alone produced more than 20 national champions.
Terry, who was nominated for the lifetime achievement prize in 2013’s Comet Community Awards, liked to get to know each fighter before starting their training – reasoning that only by knowing a person’s background could he know what made them tick.
Fellow Stevenage boxing coach Geoff Glencross said at the time that Terry, then aged 75, “could still do 10 rounds – and come out of the ring as a winner”.
Old-school Terry previously worked for numerous years in London at Finchley Boxing Club and Islington Boxing Club – where the Terry Emberson Shield is awarded each year to a promising young amateur boxer.
The coach’s grandson, also named Terry, told the Comet: “My grandad’s favourite quote for the boxers at Stevenage Boxing Club was: ‘I’m watching you – you cheat, and you can give me 10 press-ups.’”
This quote has been put up on a plaque, along with a photograph of Terry.
Geoff added: “Terry was such a well-known coach he had people travel far and wide just to train with him.
“He was an all-round nice man, and will be dearly missed by everyone.”
During Terry’s funeral on Friday at Stevenage’s Harwood Park Crematorium, tributes were paid to the way he changed many people’s lives through boxing. Floral tributes included a boxing ring made of flowers, topped with a pair of red fighters’ gloves.
His death has also prompted hundreds to send their condolences over social media – including Team GB boxers George Crotty and Jordan Reynolds, both of whom were coached by Terry.
Great Britain Elite champion and Royal Marine boxer George, from Royston, credited Terry for getting him where he is today, and said amateur boxing had “lost a legend”. The light-heavyweight posted a photo from when he won his first national title 10 years ago, with Terry as his coach.
“I went on to win nine national titles with old Tel, and can safely say he’s got me where I am today,” said George. “Rest in peace, Tel, and thanks.”
Luton-based middleweight Jordan put up a photo of himself with George as part of his tribute to Terry, in which he said: “I hope he’s looking down proud at us both. Legend of a man.”
Terry, who lived in Chepstow Close, was married to Brenda for 54 years and leaves four children – Stephen, Terry, Jane and John – as well as eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
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