Warwick Boxing Club seek and find new home

Warwick ABC boxers at their new premises. Picture submitted

The club, which was originally established by Jackie Turpin and David Bradshaw, spent two years based at Warwick Racecourse after leaving Racing Club Warwick.

However, proposed works to the building forced them to look for new premises and a chance conversation with the landlord of the Green Man in Tachbrook Street, Babs Kandola, alerted them to a series of unused buildings on the site of the Sikh Temple complex.

Agreement was reached and extensive work carried out to convert the neglected area into what is now a first-class gym, with practical and financial support coming from BPS, Woodrose Developments and the Sikh Temple officials ahead of the official opening on January 12.

And club secretary Pete Mason believes the diversity for which the club is renowned will make it a hotbed for up-and-coming talent.

“Through head coach Derek Fitzpatrick, the club has enjoyed support of the Irish community in the past,” said Mason.

“We now have the support of the Sikh community which sits well with the club’s ideals of an all-inclusive facility through sport.

“It is early days for the new gym but most of the members that were at the racecourse have moved with us, including Warwickshire and Midland Counties champion Joe Horrocks and the undefeated Bella Madden.”

After hosting a team from Cork on a show at the Assembly last year, plans are in place to travel to Ireland for the return match, while Warwick have also been invited to train at a sunshine facility in Marbella by Team GB Olympian Bradley Saunders.

Warwick ABC are keen to encourage any new or existing boxers to join the friendly club who train on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6pm.

For more information, call Fitzpatrick on 07821 413946 or on facebook (warwickabc) or twitter (@warwickabc).