AHEAD of Anthony Ogogo Day, and a special homecoming for Lowestoft's Olympic hero, the 23-year-old has sent out a special message of thanks to the people of Lowestoft, Waveney and across the region.

Ogogo said: 'I just want to say thank you wholeheartedly. The support I have had has just been overwhelming. It has been emotional at times and I just want to say thank you to Triple A boxing club, John Cremin, and everyone who has been there since the start.

Thanks go to my family and girlfriend Casey - everyone who has supported me. The Journal and EDP, and everyone who has got behind me, supported me and believed in me.'

Ogogo admitted the backing he had received during the Olympics had been phenomenal - and it helped him progress to the semi finals.

'It can be a lonely time the few hours before a fight in a room by yourself and knowing that I have a whole community behind me does really, really help,' Ogogo said.

'I just want people to know that whatever I do decide to do in the future it would be great if people could continue to get behind me and go to my fights because hearing people and the crowds chanting my name when I box is amazing. And if people do come to my fights I hope I can continue to bring enjoyment to people.

The backing Ogogo has received during and since his Olympic adventure has been 'really overwhelming,' according to the Lowestoft man.

'It has been really emotional, I've welled up and choked up quite a few times reading the letters, messages, e-mails and tweets I've received,' he said.

'Seeing some of the things people had written to me really made me well up and feel emotional. More than anything - more than my medal - I am proud to be British, proud to have represented Britain at the Olynmpic Games and making people feel happy.

'I gave them three good fights and three times people would've screamed and cheered at the TV and would've been happy for a time afterwards.'

So was he aware of the fantastic backing from his hometown?

He said: 'I was constantly talking to my sisters and they were saying how good the support was here. I knew it would be good as this is a great town and everyone gets behind each other and I think everyone knows I am proud to come from Lowestoft - I will never shy away from saying I am from here.

'I knew because of that reason and because I had worked hard I gave it my all, I knew that people would get behind me but how much they have got behind me has been absolutely overwhelming.

'It has been emotional and it means so much to me - I just hope that people come to see me on Tuesday!'

Ogogo revealed that as well as his Triple A club coach John Cremin, his family and friends, other supporters from Lowestoft were present at the Excel arena for his fights.

'The support was amazing,' he said. 'I had a few friends who had bought tickets for the quarters and semi finals in advance as they had belief in me that I would get there - regardless of how hard the draw would be that it what it is like, people believing in me!'