Tribute to Pat Benson Senior

England Boxing is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Pat Benson Senior at the age of 91.

Pat was a towering figure within boxing and the wider West Midlands community, dedicating his life to helping others through the sport he loved. Across decades of service, he coached Olympians and World Champions including Delicious Orie, Matthew Macklin and Rowan Williams, while inspiring thousands of young people throughout Birmingham and beyond.

Born in Ballyhaunis, Ireland in 1934, Pat’s journey in sport began with Gaelic football before his passion for boxing led him from the Irish Army to Coventry, and eventually to Birmingham, where he competed out of Ladywood Boxing Gym. His influence soon extended far beyond the ring as he moved into coaching and played a pivotal role in saving Small Heath Club from closure.

For more than 50 years, Pat led the performance arm of Pat Benson Boxing Academy, providing opportunity, guidance and hope to generations of youngsters from disadvantaged communities across the city. His commitment to changing lives through boxing earned him the BBC West Midlands Unsung Hero Award in 2010, a fitting recognition for a man whose impact reached far beyond medals and titles.

Pat’s legacy lives on through the incredible foundations he built, most notably the state-of-the-art Pat Benson Boxing Academy at the Irish Centre in Birmingham, which continues to thrive under the leadership of his grandson, Paddy Benson.

Everyone at England Boxing sends our heartfelt condolences to Pat’s family, friends, boxers and all those whose lives he touched.

Rest in peace, Pat Benson Senior.