The Saints are looking forward to a bright future while, inset, punching out former British Champ Martin ‘Too Much’ Power are Councillors Flick Rea (left) and Jill Fraser

Published: 15 November, 2012
by STEVE BARNETT

ONE of the oldest amateur boxing clubs in the country is looking forward to “a bright and exciting future” after finally finding time to celebrate a hi-tech refurbishment.

St Pancras Amateur Boxing Club in Talacre Road, Kentish Town, has slipped and ducked a number of potential knock-out blows that threatened it with closure. 

And just like a true champion the club stood strong against the tide and on Thursday hosted a special evening for all those who helped along the way.

Top coach CJ Hussein is predicting that, having survived leasing problems and an ugly battle with the Kronk Boxing Gym, the Saints can now look forward to a future full of champions. 

“We actually reopened our doors in March but because of how busy we’ve been it’s taken us nine months to host an official open evening to thank everyone who helped put the club back on the map and give us a permanent home. We’ve got new coaches, new equipment, and the likes of former British champion Martin Power working with the children.

“For the first time since I’ve been here we’ve even got a waiting list so I’d say St Pancras can certainly look forward to a bright and exciting future full of champions.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Jill Fraser and Cllr Flick Rea are firmly in St Pancras’s corner. “This is a wonderful resource that we’ve managed to save,” said cllr Fraser.

“I think boxing is a wonderful thing for young people, it teaches them discipline and how to manage any aggression that they might have.

“It’s wonderful having St Pancras Boxing Club in the heart of our community where it’s needed most.”