Luton-based construction firm Ryebridge is helping local boxing legend Jordan Reynolds punch and spar his way to the top – providing sponsorship to help the 22-year-old achieve his dream of reaching the Olympics.
Jordan, 22, who has never lost a fight for England and is now a part of Team GB, met Ryebridge Managing Director Daniel Coyle at a Love Luton awards event, when the company recommended Jordan for the Sporting Achievement award
Daniel said: “We want to take a bit of pressure off Jordan. We are based in Luton, recruit locally wherever possible and want to give back. We are amazed by all that Jordan is doing – fighting against the odds and injuries to secure his position on Team GB. It’s impossible not to be inspired when you meet Jordan. He is a sporting icon and good for Luton and we are so pleased to be able to help.”
Jordan added: “When I first tried out for Team GB I was invited back but then tore my tendon and had to raise thousands of pounds to get it fixed, with five months rehabilitation. But I got there in the end and am proud to be making history – no one from Bedfordshire has got into Team GB before.
Jordan’s story is an inspirational one. After leaving school early he went to a gym to stay out of trouble, working a 12-hour shift there until he turned 16.
“I could see everyone sparring and fighting and I thought, you what, I could do this. I got in the ring with guy half my size and got knocked out,” said the boxer. “Ever since that moment I have been striving to improve. I had my first amateur fight at 16, won it and won the next fight and then went into ABAs, the biggest championship you can go in. You need minimum two fights to enter – sink or swim, an experience.
“I kept winning and improving every fight and later joined the West Ham club, one of the most successful amateur boxing clubs in the world, where the hardcore training started.”
Jordan juggled part time jobs with his training, determined not to let limited finances get in his way.
You can follow Jordan’s journey to success on Twitter @reynoldsboxing