Gloves are on as new boxing gym opens its doors on East Marsh
NEW VENUE WILL GIVE AREA’S YOUNG PEOPLE A POSITIVE FOCUS - AND HELP THEM TO KEEP FIT
THE coaches behind a new Grimsby boxing gym are hoping it can help young people to get off the streets and find a positive focus.
Former professional Kevin Hooper, along with coaches Andrew Sorensen and Gary Horton, are the men behind the Mighty Mariners Boxing Academy on Tunnard Street - at the heart of the town’s troubled East Marsh.
Already open to juniors, the gym will be fully open from next week in line with Covid-19 regulations. Hooper said: “When I first started boxing it was at a place called Mariners Boxing Club on Welholme Road, run by Sean Wood. It’s where I started, so as well as the name linking to Grimsby Town football club, it fits well from that angle too.
“We actually took the place over in September last year, but weren’t able to open because of Covid. “But in a way, that has given us more time to make it our own. There was a lot to do as it had basically been left to rot. It’s nice inside now and we have got all new equipment.
“It’s all about getting people in the gym and away from trouble.”
Hooper himself went from promising junior to having a good career in the ring, representing the town with pride on some big fight nights over several years. He won a British Masters Lightweight title, Midland Area Lightweight title and fought for a British title - losing out to Scott Cardle.
He had a good following, with many boxing fans from the area backing him at fights across the country.
“I am hoping it will be popular,” Hooper added. “It is on the East Marsh, and will give the area’s kids some focus and discipline.
“It isn’t just about being competitive, it can be about just coming to keep fit.”
The gym has coronavirus measures in place such as hand sanitisers and temperature testing.
For more information on the new gym, call Kevin on 07972 048746.