Sport

Jake Paul surprises Welsh boxing club with donation after coach’s death

Published

2 months ago

March 9, 2026

South Wales gym initially thought the gesture was ‘fake’

A BOXING club in south Wales has spoken of its shock after receiving unexpected support from social media star and professional boxer Jake Paul.

Members of Cwmavon Hornets ABC were stunned when Paul donated 16 pairs of boxing gloves to the club following the death of its long-time head coach and founder, Nigel Davies.

Davies, who founded the club in 1995, died in August 2025 after decades of dedication to grassroots boxing. During his career he helped guide more than 100 national champions and represented Wales at both European and world championship level.

The donation came about after former Hornets boxer Ethan Gilbert, who now works with Paul’s media team, told the American fighter about the club and the legacy Davies left behind.

Gethin Davies, Nigel Davies’ son, admitted the club initially struggled to believe the gesture was genuine.

“There’s been a lot of fake stuff going around with Jake Paul,” he said.

“When I first saw it I thought it was fake. But when I realised it was real I thought, fair play. He didn’t have to do that, did he? We appreciate all the help we get.”

The gloves, branded with Paul’s Boxing Bullies Foundation, arrived at the club in early February.

Nigel Davies was widely respected across the sport and had worked with some of the biggest names in British boxing, including Anthony Joshua, Joe Cordina, Fred Evans, Andrew Selby and Sean McGoldrick.

He also coached at both the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games.

Members of the club described him as “more than a coach”, saying he had been a father or grandfather figure to many young boxers who trained at the gym.

Gilbert said it meant a great deal to return to the club and deliver the gloves after telling Paul about Davies and the role the gym had played in his own life.

“It felt like a full circle moment, from being a kid training there to now being in a position to give something back,” he said.

“Everyone was so excited. They kept asking, ‘How does Jake Paul know about our little club?’”

Gilbert later filmed club members using the gloves and sent the video to Paul, who said he was delighted to see the reaction.

According to Gilbert, Paul responded: “This is exactly what we’re trying to do with Boxing Bullies.”

Following Davies’ death, club members and his family also took part in the Richard Burton 10K in October 2025 in his memory, with Paul sending a video message of support that was shared on social media.

Despite the loss of its founder, the club continues to grow and may soon require larger premises due to increasing membership.

In a message on social media, the club thanked Paul, his team and Gilbert for their support.

“Support like this really does make a difference to our club and our boxers,” the post said.

“These gloves will be put to great use helping our members train, build confidence and enjoy the sport.”

Sport

Haverfordwest rugby youngsters celebrate cup glory and milestone weekend

Published

3 minutes ago

April 26, 2026

Herald Sport

HAVERFORDWEST RFC’s youth and junior sections enjoyed a proud weekend, with cup success, a festival win, milestone appearances and strong performances across the age groups.

The club’s Youth side led the celebrations after beating Aberystwyth Youth 23-12 on Friday night.

Supporters praised the squad’s performance, team spirit and togetherness following the win, with congratulations shared widely online for the players and coaches.

The occasion was made even more special by a guard of honour from the Under-10s, who lined up to support the Youth team before the match.

There was also success for the Blues Under-12s, who won the St Clears Festival against teams from across South Wales.

Coaches said the boys impressed not only with their rugby, but also with their commitment, manners and sportsmanship, representing the club and the shirt brilliantly.

Milestone for Freddie

Another proud moment came as Freddie Jones, one of the club’s original players from Under-7s, made his 100th appearance.

Freddie, now with the Under-11s, has enjoyed an excellent season, earning selection for county and West Wales.

He was described by the club as a “gentle giant” away from the pitch, but a fierce competitor on it, leading the way with his ball carrying and tackling.

The club also shared its latest Team of the Week, recognising young players from across the age groups who impressed during the weekend’s fixtures.

With cup success, a festival win and milestone appearances across the age groups, it was a memorable weekend for everyone involved with Haverfordwest RFC’s junior and youth sections.

Sport

Tumble hold off spirited Amman fightback in 12-try thriller

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2026

Herald Sport

YOUNG AMMAN SIDE IMPRESS DESPITE DEFEAT

AMMAN UNITED may have suffered another defeat, but the Reds ended the week with plenty of encouragement after pushing Tumble hard in an entertaining Division Three West clash.

Playing their second away fixture in three days, Amman travelled to Parc y Mynydd Mawr with a side showing clear signs of the club’s future direction.

United had introduced a number of players from their Welsh Youth Cup-winning squad across two away matches, with several making their senior debuts.

Eight of those youngsters were involved in the midweek 26-12 defeat away to high-flying Division Three Cup winners New Dock Stars, where Dyfan Llewellyn marked his debut with a try.

Harvey Duncan, Ioan Booth, Hefin Davies, Ceian Lewis, Tom James, Aled Davies, Kennedy Richards and Cole Lacey were also introduced across the two games, giving Amman supporters real cause for optimism.

Youth given chance

At Tumble, Amman started with five members of the victorious youth side in the pack, with Tom James making his debut at lock under captain Rhydian Jones.

In bright sunshine, both sides served up an open and entertaining game full of running rugby.

Tumble, however, largely controlled the first half and built a 30-14 lead by the interval.

The Magpies crossed through Owen Bunford, Jack Morris, Iwan Morgan and Rhys King to secure their try bonus point before the break.

There was also a notable family moment for the Gwendraeth Valley side, with brothers Ellis and Zak Payne playing together for the first time.

Reds rally after break

Amman, safe from relegation because of league restructuring, came roaring back in the second half and gave their higher-placed hosts a real scare.

Back-row nuisance Cole Lacey was rewarded for an excellent performance with his first senior try for the club, while wing Dylan Matthews and impressive flanker Alun Lewis also crossed.

United’s five-try display brought them to within two points at 35-33, earning them a deserved bonus point and threatening a remarkable comeback.

Tumble, however, held their nerve in the closing stages.

After Dafydd Thomas had earlier crossed for the Magpies, late tries from Ifan Samuel and James Owens finally put the game beyond Amman and secured a 49-33 home victory.

It was a fine advert for grassroots rugby, with both sides contributing to an exciting, attacking contest.

Amman were due to complete their league campaign away at Cardigan on Tuesday night, while Tumble finish at home to Neyland on Saturday.

Sport

Bluebirds reach European play-off final after penalty drama in Barry

Published

1 hour ago

April 26, 2026

Herald Sport

Haverfordwest County beat Barry Town United 3-1 on spot-kicks after 1-1 draw at Jenner Park

HAVERFORDWEST COUNTY are one win away from another European adventure after a dramatic penalty shootout victory away at Barry Town United on Sunday (Apr 26).

The Bluebirds booked their place in the JD Cymru Premier European play-off final after beating Barry 3-1 on penalties at Jenner Park, following a 1-1 draw after normal time.

It is the third time in four years that County have reached the European play-off final, continuing their remarkable record in the end-of-season format.

Barry made the perfect start and went ahead after just three minutes through Ollie Hulbert, leaving Haverfordwest with a difficult task in front of them.

The home side held that lead until the interval, but County stayed in the contest and continued to push for a way back.

Their reward came midway through the second half when Greg Walters found the net to bring the Bluebirds level and set up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner before the end of normal time, meaning the tie would be settled from the spot.

Haverfordwest held their nerve when it mattered most, winning the shootout 3-1 to spark celebrations among the travelling support and send the club into another major play-off final.

County will now face Penybont in the final on Saturday (May 2), with kick-off at 5:25pm. Penybont reached the final after beating Colwyn Bay on penalties in the other semi-final.

The final will be hosted by the higher-ranked semi-final winner, meaning Haverfordwest are set for another away trip as they look to secure Wales’ final place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.

For manager Tony Pennock and his players, it is another huge moment in the club’s recent history.

After falling behind early in Barry, the Bluebirds showed character, patience and composure before delivering once again in a pressure shootout.

Now only Penybont stand between Haverfordwest County and a return to European football.