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Saved By The Bell (Adele Craw)

28/11/2013

49 Comments

 
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Larkhall Lightweight Adele Craw fights out of Forsyth’s Boxing Club in Hamilton. Adele has made an impact on Scottish Boxing, and has her sights firmly set on becoming a Professional Boxer. However, for the time being she is looking no further than the Scottish Championships in January.

Growing up in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, was very difficult for Adele; she has blurry memories of her childhood, “I was a nightmare, very impatient, nervous - a very frightened child. I never wanted to go to school”.  She did manage to get herself into a lot of trouble in the later years of high school.

A cruel tragedy struck the family within a three year period, “My cousin and uncle were murdered. It was two separate incidents. I know my uncle Robert was murdered outside the doctors, he was battered to death”. This brutality must have scarred Adele who was only 17 when her uncle was taken under horrific circumstances.

Adele started playing football for Ballieston but kept getting sent off. She was gradually spiralling out of control; she became a real wild child. Adele admits, “I was totally off the rails”. She tried to drive a car home from the pub while under the influence of alcohol, “I went off the road and crashed the car. I got 32 stitches in my hand, broke my shoulder, and had a broken arm”, the doctors told her if she wasn’t drunk she would have killed herself, “I was in the car myself, the car flipped, and I punched my hand through the sunroof to get out”. Adele received a £350 fine and was banned for a year, “I learned my lesson never to drink and drive again”, she said.

Tragedy struck the family again another three years down the line, “My cousin was out watching a Celtic and Rangers football game around Christmas, and got stabbed through the heart”. Adele had such a close family, her uncle and cousin had lived next door. This latest horrendous misery must have taken its toll on Adele, “To be honest, I think it affected my dad more. I was just going through the motions, just had to get on with it, and felt as though I had to stick up for myself”.

Adele was making a name for herself for all the wrong reasons; she was fighting in pubs and clubs every weekend. She fought with men, women and bouncers. She got charged with Police assaults, and carrying offensive weapons. She got barred from all pubs in Larkhall to Hamilton. She did try karate, but opted for Thai Boxing due to the savage nature of the sport. It was during her time as a Thia boxer that she started going to Forsyth’s Gym in Hamilton to help improve her punching technique. This is where she met the owner and trainer Stephen Forsyth.

Adele had one exhibition and one professional fight as a Thai boxer, Stephen came along to watch her fight as a professional. It was then that Stephen suggested to Adele that she gave boxing a try; he thought she had a lot of potential.

Adele was at the stage her friends wouldn’t want to come out with her, for obvious reasons. It was at this time Adele seriously assaulted a guy in a nightclub, she could have got a jail sentence, but got a Police tag strapped to her ankle and 15 months probation. She was fed up letting her friends down and knew something had to give. Adele took up Stephen’s offer and started attending boxing classes at Forsyth’s Gym.


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This was not just a turning point in Adele’s life, it was a god send. She started pushing herself to the limit during training, and then the time came for Adele to step through the ropes for her first fight. Adele had been really nervous on her way to the show, she was under the impression her opponent had no contests, but it turned out she had 2 fights under her belt. While staring across the ring at her opponent Adele had a thought, “She’s built like a tank”, and said to Stephen, “OH MY GOD, I can’t do this...” The nerves were getting the better of her, but as soon as the bell rang she was totally in her comfort zone. The fight was a close one, there was only a point in it, but Stephen felt she had done enough. Adele was awarded the decision by the smallest majority, “In the last minute I caught her with a big uppercut, I think that point won the fight for me”, Adele declared. After the fight Adele was in high spirits, legal ones this time, “I was buzzing, and couldn’t wait for my next fight – I loved it”. Adele was still wearing a Police tag round her ankle during the fight. It was a long time coming but Adele had finally found what she was looking for. A female boxer of African origin was up next for Adele, the venue was Cleland Miners Club, “I was more nervous for this fight. I was excited, felt the pressure and needed to win”. Adele won the fight by 5 points on this occasion, and voiced her thoughts, “Winning is the best feeling in the world”. She then entered the Scottish Novice Championships at Ravenscraig. In the final she fought a boxer called Robin Swan, and dropped her for a count of 8 after 1 minute and 20 seconds of the 1st round. The points scoring were a dead heat, so the judges had to go to count back, and awarded the Gold Medal to Adele by way of majority decision 47-43.  Robin Swan wanted a rematch ASAP, Adele was more than happy to oblige. This time Adele won by a straight win coming by way of a clear majority. Even although Adele’s record read 4 fights 4 wins, she still fell into the novice category. However, this year she jumped up in class and fought in the Scottish Open Class Championships. In the semi-finals Adele was drawn against a boxer called Natalie McKay, this was just a random name to Adele at the time. She felt as though she made a big mistake by looking at Natalie’s record card. Everywhere she looked the words TEAM SCOTLAD were jumping out at her. Natalie had been representing the Scottish National Squad. Adele’s curiosity handed the psychological advantage to her opponent. It was a close fight that went to the scorecards, Adele lost by a minimal margin of 2 points, “This fight was a learning curve for me, I learned a lot from it. Natalie is one of the best boxers in Scotland, and in hindsight I wish I hadn’t looked at her record”. Adele had fought her last 2 fights with a broken nose, “I didn’t even know, I got an operation in July to fix it. I’ve been out for two and a half months, but I’m back now”. 


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Stephen Forsyth has been a huge influence on Adele, who says, “He believes in me, I would not be where I am today if it were not for Stephen. He’s been a huge help, and so have all the guys at the club”. Adele spars with all the guys at the club, her theory is, “I like to spar with all the big heavy guys, because no lassie is going to hit you as hard as they do”.

Adele trains 6 days a week, and takes a Saturday off. Her training includes strength and conditioning, sparring and pad work. Adele is currently being sponsored by her dads business Paintpot Decorators; she has also had a few offers from people wishing to sponsor her privately.

Mike Tyson was Adele’s favourite boxer growing up, currently its WBO World Lightweight Champion Ricky Burns, whom she would love to meet. Adele met my dad Ken Buchanan in February, because he fought way back in the 60’s and 70’s she did have to check the internet to find out more about him, “It was brilliant to meet a guy like that, my dad is a massive fan”. Adele has a few favourite boxing films such as, Million Dollar Baby, The Fighter and her favourite is Rocky IV, “I like when Rocky beats the Russian, because he thinks he’s impossible to beat”.

Adele has never been in trouble since she started boxing. These days she likes to train through the day and chill out at night. She is now getting more recognition for being a successful boxer opposed to the lassie who got barred from all the pubs. Adele is an inspiration to all the boxers at the club, her friends included. She got good standard grades at the school, and passed higher grades also. Adele is currently studying Psychology at University.

Adele would like to thank everyone for their support, and a big thanks to Stephen and everyone at the club.

When Adele hears the bell ring she’s buzzing with excitement, full of adrenalin, heart pumping, and ready to go. In so many ways you could say, Adele was Saved By The Bell.

I’ll leave the last words to Adele, “I love boxing; I’m good at it, and I want to become a Professional”.

By Raymond Fraser Buchanan


49 Comments
Adele
27/11/2013 05:33:35 pm

Amazing story written to perfection

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annette
28/11/2013 01:04:40 am

so proud of who you are x keep it up babes x u deserve x

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Paul steel
27/11/2013 06:03:57 pm

Hey Adele where's my mention for starting you at Thai ha ha,very well done a total Isparation to others x

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kelly
27/11/2013 06:21:39 pm

well done adele yer a wee star!!!! xxxx

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Graham Donaghy
27/11/2013 06:29:20 pm

Inspirational story. Stay true to yourself and keep up the good work n you wil get to where your supposed to be hunny! Every1 is proud of you!!👍😘 Xg

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Ants
27/11/2013 06:34:11 pm

Good on yi wee yin

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Sam
27/11/2013 06:55:05 pm

Well done wot a great story you have been through a lot and came out the other end just brilliant Adele x

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Debbie
27/11/2013 06:58:41 pm

What can I say Del ' Champion in the making ' and defo a true inspiration to all but most of all you've proven to yourself and everyone what you were made for and defo should be as proud as we all are of ya :-) Ps I'll never forget that first encounter we had in the club many moons ago lol xxx

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Del
27/11/2013 07:11:19 pm

Act pmsl at this Debbie aye back in the day eh god u could sell a story on me alone lol mega good old days x x

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carl andrew mckay
27/11/2013 07:09:25 pm

Go for it Girl, you can achieve anything if your mind so desires it. Chin down, guard up.

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Adele
27/11/2013 07:10:27 pm

Thanks everyone for comments brilliant keep sharing and thank u all again x x

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Wee Susie
27/11/2013 07:15:20 pm

Well done Adele, you have shown there is light at the end of the tunnel. You should be so proud of yourself it was you that turned your life around, no looking back now.

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Ben Bettles
27/11/2013 07:15:28 pm

Good luck Adele....Muhammed Ali and Mike Tyson are examples of
"rags to riches" after being persuaded to take up boxing after sorting out bullies. Tyson struggled with the spotlight being on him more than Ali but seems to be more levelheaded these days. Boxing gives a lot of
discipline but alcohol takes it away......be careful Adele.

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David Turner
27/11/2013 07:22:21 pm

Well done Adele and well done Stephen in helping you turn your life around keep it going Adele your a true champion xx

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Stacey hannah
27/11/2013 07:39:34 pm

Well done Adele that's brilliant! All the best for the future x

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Alec Mullen
27/11/2013 07:40:46 pm

Well done Adele,youve turned your life around for the better,

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wilson docherty link
27/11/2013 07:49:02 pm

Great story of reak life + how boxing can help change your life,inspiring,well done Adelle + Respect X

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Carri
27/11/2013 07:56:14 pm

Brilliant story :)

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Wendy
27/11/2013 08:08:18 pm

You seem to have been at that very thin line Del where things would only have gotten worse for you and although you give great credit to your coach I think the biggest credit lies within yourself. You wouldn't have got where you are now if you had been happy where you were then. Stephen opened your eyes to another path, you were the one who decided to walk down it. Well done petal, proud of you. Xxxxx

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jane
27/11/2013 08:19:35 pm

Well done Adele. Proud to say that iv known the wee del at school and wee del we know now. Hope ur as proud of yourself as everyone around u is. Keep it up girl. X

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Wee del
27/11/2013 08:39:58 pm

Thanks everyone it's so overwelming and I love boxing and onwards and upwards x

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leeann
27/11/2013 08:41:49 pm

Well done adele, thats brilliant and you should be very proud. Keep up the great work. All the best

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lynn
27/11/2013 09:02:09 pm

Well done Del your an inspiration to others Larkies Champion. X

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Al Collins
27/11/2013 09:43:57 pm

Well done Adele, I think that the future looks very bright for you, keep at it !!

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Ryan W
27/11/2013 10:42:01 pm

Great story. Well done and keep on the path.

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Elizabeth McCluskey
27/11/2013 10:57:39 pm

Well done Adele.. Your story is so inspiring and a lot could learn from it aswell that people can turn their lives around the same way you have.. I'm glad Stephen suggested the boxing to you n you took that path because it really seems to be for you.. You know how far you want to go with it n what you want to achieve n i believe you'll achieve everything n anything you want because you work so hard for it n you deserve it... Your making me want to come back n train as hard as you if that could ever be possible..lol.. Good luck in the future..xx

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Maria
27/11/2013 11:11:22 pm

Well done del, such an inspirational story xxx

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Linda steel
28/11/2013 12:24:18 am

Go wee Del you are an inspiration to everyone well done xx

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Ratch Gordon
28/11/2013 12:44:42 am

A cracking boxer and a great role model to other female boxers (as Our Meg will vouch for).

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paul burke
28/11/2013 12:56:26 am

Just read your story words can't describe how proud a am of you so much has happened in your life and you never gave up in achieving what you did xxxx

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jamie m
28/11/2013 02:12:36 am

well done Raymond, and well done to adele for getting on with it.

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Diane Hague
28/11/2013 02:29:11 am

Well done Del. You are a wee star. So proud of you. x

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Danielle McLean
28/11/2013 02:49:47 am

Well done Adele such an inspirational story!

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Charlene
28/11/2013 02:55:45 am

I can see a new Rocky bal boa coming soon to a cinema near you haha brill stuff hen your fam be proud o you xx

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sally burke
28/11/2013 03:07:33 am

So proud of you always keep your head up an stay focused xx

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Eric Nelson
28/11/2013 03:18:39 am

Adele very well done love your Uncle Robert (RAB) would be proud of you to-day ,I used to run about with him years ago,When I lived in Larky, As I said keep it up and take care love from Belfast xxx

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Susan
28/11/2013 03:50:30 am

Good for you Del, glad your found a positive outlet and are doing so well at it :)

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gillian docherty
28/11/2013 05:02:17 am

Well done huney. Xx

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emma brow
28/11/2013 06:11:12 am

Well done del true inspiration how u cam turn your life around xxxx

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wendy gebbie
28/11/2013 06:14:32 am

Brilliant storry adele and goes to show...you dont always have to be down andd out and great u have got your life back on track .xx

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Rhonda
28/11/2013 09:13:32 am

Ur a star in the making babe so proud of u ❤❤❤❤❤

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Peter Lang
28/11/2013 02:28:47 pm

The important thing in life is that we put our past mistakes behind us and try to become a better person for it. You seem to have achieved that through determination in boxing and you should be proud of yourself. I'm glad to have read your story and may you achieve your goals. X

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Kirsty paterson
28/11/2013 05:01:07 pm

Brought a tear to my eye. I remember being asked to speak with you Del. A nicer lassy you couldn't meet but you were a real wild child lol. Look at you now!!!! So proud of you. Keep up the fight!!! X

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mandy mccluskie
28/11/2013 05:26:56 pm

Such an inspirational story straight from the heart well done on your achievment Adele xxx

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Paul Russell
29/11/2013 02:07:31 am

Nice one del truly inspiring

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Toni-Marie Catchpaw
30/11/2013 09:47:30 am

Congratulations Adele !!! Very inspiring story for a very talented Lady. So happy for your success and keep up the good work. When you retire from pro boxing you will make a wonderful coach. Really hope you end up coaching after because you are such a wonderful roal model.
Toni-Marie from Canada

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Jackie falconer
4/12/2013 11:53:51 am

Great story Adele, keep up the good work!! Xx

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ian
30/4/2017 01:28:28 pm

What a lot of shite....lol

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Eugene link
8/5/2019 04:33:48 pm

Love your boxing stories.

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