TEIGNMOUTH has produced some top boxers over the years and now another local born fighter is one step closer to a national crown.

Ben Day, 36, is fighting Ryan ‘Crash Bang’ Taylor for the southern area super lightweight title on December 5 at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London, after winning the International Masters in March.

He left his home town for London at the age of 16 ‘to try and make something of myself’, and now has his own Ringtone professional gym in the capital.

‘I went through many adversities, including homesickness and wanting to give up and move back home to Teignmouth, But I gritted my teeth and decided to stick it out and not give up, and it paid off,’ said Day, who still has close contacts with his home town.

He also supports the work of various charities, including those that help friends in Teignmouth. The proceeds of one of his white collar boxing shows raised money to help Michelle Manders from Mill Lane, who suffers from cervical cancer.

There will be another white collar show at the London Irish Centre on November 21 in memory of Day’s dad John, who died of motor neurone disease.

Proceeds will go to the MND Association, and local members have been invited.