RECENTLY I had the pleasure of attending an evening of amateur boxing at Henry’s Gym in Acomb.

There were contestants of all shapes and sizes, from all over the north of England, but all had one thing in common: they were all true sportsmen (and women).

It was clear that every one was putting in 100 per cent commitment and hoping to win the bout, yet they were always graceful in both victory and defeat.

They showed a respect for opponents and officials that is sadly lacking in many sports nowadays.

Although I do not consider myself a boxing fan, I am a sports fan, and what I saw was sport.

This was in stark contrast to what I saw on television the following weekend, namely overpaid, pampered and arrogant Premiership footballers diving, cheating and abusing referees for tens of thousands of pounds a week.

Maybe quite soon I will consider myself a boxing fan.

Dave Martin, Acaster Lane, Bishopthorpe, York.