Only one GB.
Just one of the tributes which have flooded in for Gary Bunting, who died last week.
The three-word message from Jordan Barker Porter summed him up perfectly. There was only one Gary Bunting, a boxer turned coach at Lambton Street ABC where, quite simply, he was a pillar of the Sunderland club for four memorable decades.
It was not just at Lambton Street and the City of Sunderland that his passing will be felt – the 56-year-old (pictured left) was universally loved and respected.
Close friend Richie Dunn has set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise £5,000 for Gary’s family and the money has already began to tot up.
There has been an incredible sum of £500 from Sunderland Eastend ABC to “one of our own” but donations of all sizes will mean the world at this heartbreaking time.
It is a time when the boxing family is coming together to support the family of a man who dedicated his life to boxers of all ages.
Boxing coaches are more than just the men and women who teach the sport, who are in the corners for bouts or who are in the gym on a night.
They can be inspirations, friends, second parents, guides through life.
Gary was all of the above.
Included among the talents he coached were Luke Dunn, Thom Marley and James Scott and the Lambton Street female squad, which included boxers Amber Dennis, Jordan Barker Porter, Estelle Scott, Amy Templeton and Simon Thompson.
Those eight names are just the tip of a very iceberg – the number of boxers who have come under Gary’s coaching and influence are in the hundreds.
Click here to support the GoFundMe campaign.
Coach and friend Richie Dunn, who worked alongside Gary at Lambton Street ABC, before founding Sunderland Golden Gloves, said: “Gary was a massive part of amateur boxing.
“It has been heartwarming to see the reaction, not just the donations but the tributes that have been paid. “He saw the good in everyone. “Gary changed the face of amateur boxing up here, Lambton Street’s home shows were second to none.”
Punch-lines can vouch for that having witnessed it first hand in the final show before Covid intervened in 2020.
The event at the Point was slick this website noted but, more importantly, the boxing was of the highest calibre as was the sportsmanship.
Punch-lines will sign off with wonderful words of tribute from Lambton Street ABC.
“Gary Bunting, a revered figure in the world of boxing, has left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who knew him. His recent passing has left a void, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations.
“Gary’s journey from being a young lad at the club to becoming a respected coach is a testament to his passion for the sport.
“As a former Boy of the Year in 1993, Gary’s achievements and influence extend beyond the ring. Beyond the boxing ring, Gary instilled discipline, commitment, and resilience in his young boxers. He understood that boxing wasn’t just about physical strength; it was about character development.
“Lambton Street ABC, once a modest club, underwent a remarkable transformation under Gary’s leadership. It evolved into more than just a boxing gym; it became a community of strength and support. Young people found not only a place to train but also a place to belong—a place where they could learn life skills, build resilience, and find camaraderie.”
Thoughts and prayers go out to Gary’s wife Vicky, and children Lauren, Jack and Robert and all the family and his pals, especially best friend in boxing Lee Fairweather.
Boxing’s love is with you all.
Words: Roy Kelly
