TONY Borg does not get the recognition he deserves for helping to bring so much success to St. Joseph’s Boxing Club, according to former world champion Barry McGuigan.

Borg, who trains top pros including Selby brothers Lee and Andrew, Buckland siblings Gary and Mitch, and amateur star Joe Cordina, is an “unsung hero” in the eyes of McGuigan.

As a professional, Borg, whose career was derailed for three years when he was involved in a serious car crash, had a pretty modest record of 13 wins from 24 fights.

But, since turning his attention to coaching, Borg has made St. Joes arguably Wales’ top gym, more so after the demise of the Enzo Calzaghe stable in Newbridge.

In his role as a trainer, Borg has guided his boxers to Welsh, Celtic, Commonwealth, British, European and world titles, as well as medals at the Commonwealth Games and Olympics.

“Tony is an ex-pro and obviously a smart man who knows what it takes to get guys through,” said McGuigan.

“He can teach guys to be switch-hitters, he can teach them to be clever boxers, and the name of the game when you begin is stance, guard and footwork.

“He teaches the fundamentals really well and also teaches flair, and he can also teach guys to fight aggressively.

“He is very clever at what he does and he knows how much I think of him as a coach.

“He’s a bit of an unsung hero and I think he should get more recognition.

“I would never say he is under-rated, but I think he is under-appreciated.”

McGuigan will get to see several of Borg’s fighters in action next Saturday when his own Cyclone Promotions deliver a big night of boxing at the Ice Arena Wales in Cardiff.

Giving his take on the success of St. Joes, he added: “You don’t need great facilities but if you have a gym with loads of positivity and competition, and a good coach, then bang, you’ve hit it.

“You can produce champions over and over again, like St Joseph’s in Newport.

“You’ve got Joe Cordina down and he’s going to go on to the Olympic Games, and that enlivens the area.

“Everybody feels good about that, especially if there is high unemployment and not much money around, and it gives people hope.

“They want to be associated with that and things start to spiral and gain momentum, and more kids come to the club.

“It’s not rocket science, it just happens, and you don’t have to have great facilities.

“You just need one little room with enthusiasm, drive and determination, and you’ve got that with Tony Borg.

“You have the flag bearers like Lee Selby, Andrew Selby, Gary Buckland and Joe Cordina, and things spiral off from that and on and on and on it goes.”