Olympic boxing hope from Barnsbury doing the Knowledge

An Olympic hopeful is training to be a black cab driver to fund his boxing dream.

Marlon Mellish, 21, of Lofting Road, Barnsbury, is learning to be a cabbie to support himself while he pursues a career in the ring.

But the London 2012 contender has a fight on his hands trying to memorise the 320 routes needed to pass The Knowledge (cabbies’ street road exam) – between finding time for his heavy training regime and part-time work as a gym instructor.

Marlon, who works at the Finsbury Leisure Centre in Norman Street, Finsbury, said: “People say I won’t be able to do boxing and The Knowledge, but I know I will – I just don’t know how long it will take!”

The boxer needs cash to pay for equipment such as gloves, running shoes, tape and head guards – not to mention his living costs.”

Marlon, who won the “achievement through sport” gong at the Spirit of London Awards in 2009, has more than 40 fights as a light welterweight under his belt, but he is now switching divisions to lightweight – and changing his national allegiance.

He recently dropped out of the frame for the Great Britain team and is set to take Jamaican citizenship to realise his Olympic ambition.

The Islington born-and-bred fighter, who went to Penton Primary School and Islington Green School and whose dad is Jamaican, said: “I’ve got more of a chance of boxing for Jamaica. I’m going there this year to fight and gain citizenship. I know I’m a good boxer and I’m going to be ready next year.”