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Video: Box Clever at Irlam ABC
by Tony Flynn
Situated above the Co-op building off Liverpool Road, Irlam is the home to the the thriving Irlam Amateur Boxing Club. It's been run by local lad Gary Booth for the past four years, himself a boxer of some repute having had forty amateur fights and twenty seven pro fights. The gym is a hive of activity with classes held there every evening. It caters for would-be boxers of all ages, from beginners to advanced classes, hosting trainers and coaches plus a fully-equipped gym complete with weights, bags, running machine, and two full size boxing rings. Just speaking to Gary you can see and hear the enthusiasm he has for the boxing game, I watched him train the younger fighters encouraging and urging them along, he obviously has a great rapport with them and this shows through in the enthusiasm with which they train. There are several really good promising fighters at the gym, I was very impressed with Tommy Reid and Sean Sellers as they both sparred with each other, then taught the younger lads the ropes (no pun intended). A special mention to Luke Evans, he is only fourteen but he certainly packs a punch for a young lad, this boy really looks the part, a name to watch out for in the future. One of the boxers I spoke to, Andrew Jarvis, explained that boxing not only kept him fit but stopped him hanging around the streets and pubs and was teaching him discipline and social skills. Gary is a B.B.B.C Licensed Pro Trainer/Coach and has joined forces with Salford boxing legend Steve "The Viking" Foster, to form Empire Boxing Promotions and are about to put on professional boxing matches, the first one will be held at Cadishead Rec on 17th October. Irlam ABC will be holding a fight night in September at The Royal Arms pub, Cadishead where the lads from the gym get their chance to show their prowess and hone their boxing skills. I would urge anybody of any age who has an interest in boxing or basically keeping fit to visit the gym, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and where else for a couple of quid can you get fit in a fun and exciting environment. Finally Gary is to be applauded for the dedication and hard work that he puts into the unpaid work he does at the gym, and the work that he does with the kids of Irlam and Cadishead, a virtual social worker and a true gentleman.
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