Pulling no punches

Club is boxing clever to offer the best for the community

FUTURE Ricky Hattons can hone their skills at a Derker boxing club that strives to unite communities.

Oldham Boxing and Personal Development Centre welcomes people of any age, race or religion to come along and try their hand at a new discipline.

The centre, in Derker Street, opened last July and has already seen dozens of youngsters and adults attend classes to improve their fitness.

But it’s not just boxing that’s attracting the crowds as the centre also runs a raft of personal development courses.

Everything from substance rehabilitation projects to weight management programmes, Lads and Dads sessions to anger management courses.

The gym is fast becoming a community hub and a focal point for the whole area, with over 400 members already signed up.

The centre is Oldham’s only ABAE (Amateur Boxing Association of England) affiliated boxing club and offers a range of sessions for men, women and children.

Everyone is welcome whether they want to work their way up to Ricky Hatton’s level or simply just get fit.

The centre is the first of its kind in Oldham and staff hope that the state-of-the-art facilities will attract future superstars.

Former England boxing star Eric Noi, who had to retire due to injury after being part of the 1992 British Olympic team, runs the centre.

He said: “Oldham has a proud history and current success with regards to amateur boxing. We have two potential Olympians In Ronnie Heffron and Thomas Stubbs, who are already on the 2012 development squad.

“The sad thing is that all of these potential world beaters train outside the town, but Oldham Boxing and Professional Development Centre is aiming to put an end to this by providing future world beaters with the best facilities.

“Pound for pound, the toughest sport in the world is boxing. It’s the sport that demands the most from the athletes who compete in it. It’s harder than football, harder than baseball, harder than basketball, harder than hockey, rugby or any other sport.

“In a recent study by sports scientists it was concluded that boxing, when measured over 10 categories and against 60 other sports, was the most difficult.”

The centre was commended at last month’s Oldham Sports Awards for its work with the community and the efforts of staff to provide fantastic facilities for the community.

l For more information about sessions, facilities and prices visit www.oldhamboxing.co.uk