Norwich trainer Graham Everett has been named runner-up in the 2008 BBC East Sports Awards' coach of the year.

In 2008, Jon Thaxton won the European title, Sam Sexton took two heavyweight titles and Cromer's three Walsh brothers exploded on to the scene.

Everett told BBC Radio Norfolk it has been a great year for Norfolk boxing.

"It's been fantastic this year, maybe you'd think you couldn't better it but hopefully we will, maybe with a world title shot for Jon," he said.

"The Walsh boys will be knocking on the door for titles and Sam is moving on."

Thaxton took the European lightweight title with a third round knockout of Juan Melero in October whilst Sexton won the Prizefighter title with three wins in September.

Brothers Ryan, Michael and Liam Walsh made their professional debuts on the same bill in February, and under the promotion of Frank Warren have racked up 12 fights between them since then.

Credit to every one of them they were absolutely fantastic, without them I'd have never been noticed Graham Everett

Everett admitted to finding it hard to pick a highlight from the year.

"You'd have to flick a coin, they were all great occasions and credit to every one of them they were absolutely fantastic, without them I'd have never been noticed," he said.

"The gimmick is finished, the three lads, of course everyone loves seeing them talk and being interviewed, but the difference is they really can do the business.

"Every one of them, Michael, Liam and Ryan, can most certainly be British champions or more, there's no two ways about it, they are quality," he said.

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