Read all about it - on the walls of Clearys Boxing’s new base

Wonderwall…plastered with back copies of Boxing News

NOW that’s what I call a gym wall! There’s more reading material than in a dentist’s waiting room.

In fact, all walls are plastered with covers from trade magazine Boxing News. As deputy editor of the publication in the late 1970s and early ‘80s, I’ve been trying to pick out one of my own stories among the unique furniture.

If one is not there, I’m going down with a prized back copy of BN and will demand it’s erected.

You’ve been warned, Edwin Cleary, boss of the impressive new gym in Whitnash Acre Close, Leamington Spa, which has been open for around a month.

In the bag for Leamington’s new community facility

It’s an impressive facility, made possible by the community and built for the community. It even has a sauna.

It’s a base befitting Clearys Boxing – a club that has proved a conveyor belt for champions. In recent years, it’s given us top pro Danny Quartermaine, who fights in an English title eliminator this Saturday, Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lewis Williams, big punch heavy Matty Harris and European Schools Championships stars Jaya Kalsi and Serena Mali.

On social media, Edwin posted: When we started out, I’m not sure what we expected, we just wanted to make the best of this amazing building.

“We had what we thought was a very good plan and it changed, changed and changed again.

“It actually was a blessing and I’m so happy it wasn’t rushed, as things just kept getting better and better.

“We’ve had loads of help and I’m so grateful to each and every one who has helped. I had a dream and this is better than my dream, so thank you.

“It’s a home from home, a place where the members, kids, adults and, of course, our amazing squad of boxers, can feel they are in a home for champions.  We also have some fantastic coaches, all volunteers.

“I know it’s my name above the door, but without this team nothing would be possible.

Not many gyms can boast a leather three-piece suite

They do an amazing job, spending more time with other people’s kids than possibly their own.

“This is just the start, we are only in phase one. We are now open seven days a week with designated classes for all ages and abilities.

“We have so much more space for more members. We have plans for more coaches and help from our squad with the kids’ classes.”