KEITH Mayo was visibly shocked to have been voted in as Swindon Advertiser Sports Personality of the Year 2013.

The Greenbridge boxing promoter brought an IBO Inter-Continental title fight to the Oasis in December 2013. Setting the stage for Kelvin Young’s super middleweight victory over Alexey Ribchev. He has played a major role in getting more and more Swindonians interested in boxing, with his unmistakably gruff lilt and passion for the sport.

Yet he was astounded the public had chosen him as their number one, saying: “It’s amazing. I was not expecting it for one minute, it’s fantastic. Last year was a good year - Kelvin did well and we had another couple of lads win smaller titles. To be there in front of all the sportspeople of Swindon is amazing.”

After a hectic 2013, Mayo has an even busier 2014, with shows taking place throughout the year and several titles up for grabs.

“This year we’ve got a title on the line in Walsall this Saturday and there are some good boys coming through, it should be a good year for us in Swindon and I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “It takes a while. The likes of Kelvin is on 17 fights and you just can’t do that overnight.

“We’re going into his fifth year now and we’re taking one step at a time and it’s paying off.

“We can’t rush them - when they’re right we put them into the title fights.

“We’ve got a show at the Oasis on Friday 14 and then one in Gloucester, Oxford and back in Swindon. It’s going to be a busy year and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Mayo saw off competition from popular Swindon Robins manager Alun Rossiter, ice hockey star Daryl Lipsey and Wrag Barn Golf Club coach Richard Ward to land the award.