Former boxing champion is praised for his impactful work in Sussex

A former British and Commonwealth Heavyweight Champion has been recognised for his ‘Outstanding Contribution to Sport and Physical Activity’.

Scott Welch, known as The Brighton Rock, was awarded the accolade at the Sussex Sport & Physical Activity Awards 2025, held at the 1st Central Cricket Ground in Hove on Thursday, November 27.

Scott’s professional career has been impressive with 26 fights, 22 wins and 17 knockouts, including a memorable challenge for the WBO Heavyweight World Title in 1997.

In fact, his lifelong service to the sport led to his induction into the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2025. 

However, it is his work since retiring from professional boxing that has impressed judges, with Scott dedicating his life to voluntary work and giving back to the community through boxing.

He returned to his old gym and took over as chairman of the 80 year old iconic establishment, Brighton and Hove Amateur Boxing Club, and set it on a course that sees boxing positively impact local youth, the disabled and those who may otherwise be excluded. 

His focus on nurturing the individual has provided access to physical activity to everyone, from five-year-old girls to 85-year-olds with Parkinson’s and amputees in their 20s. 

Scott, who lives in Southwick, now has global recognition for the innovation and relentless promotion of adaptive boxing for wheelchair users. 

He led the team producing the handbook for this exciting sport and has personally visited many countries to coach and promote it.

He took boxing from a minority sport and made it a tool for achieving personal empowerment, social inclusion, and positive change in the community. 

In recognition of this, his pioneering, hands-on approach and tireless work in Sussex, he was appointed WBC Cares UK Chairman to expand his successful model of sport inclusion nationwide. 

Today, he continues his professional coaching while implementing his ideas for a better community through sports. 

Sussex-wide Youth Hub and outreach programmes have expanded under his leadership, transforming the lives of many more. 

It is clear that Scott continues to shape lives with the same passion, integrity, and resilience that defined his own sporting career.