Funding could prove to be the knock-out blow for boxing club

A Rutherglen boxing club with over 200 members faces closure after running in to severe financial difficulty.

In the same week that Durie’s Boxing Club has two young fighters competing in a European tournament in Dublin, they have also reached out to businesses for sponsorship to stay afloat.

The club was founded in 2009 and is based at Hillhouse Industrial Estate, close to the east end of Rutherglen Main Street.

As well as holding many boxing shows in the area, they have also produced champions at junior and senior level.

However Archie Durie, who runs the gym, has lifted the lid on the financial problems crippling the club.

The club have written to local businesses in the hope of securing vital funding.

Archie said: “People don’t know how bad it is, we are in dire, dire straits.

“I owe money left right and centre for bills with the club. I’ll die first before I let it go down.”

In prior years Archie had paid the £4500 rent for his premises upfront, covering the full year.

However 2015 is the first time he has not been able to do that and is having to pay month by month.

He said a combination of a drop in numbers of people attending and a lack of home shows are to blame for the current bleak situation.

He said: “Usually we hold four shows a year, and they’ve been sells out, but this season we only managed three shows and that is a big blow.

“We’re not getting the numbers through the doors anymore either, it’s really quiet.

“We charge four pounds a session and with the numbers coming just now we only clear about £150 a week. Eight months ago we use to clear £400 a week.”

The gym has a reputation for helping to develop young talent, and many youngsters who started out at the gym have gone on to win national titles.

Rutherglen MSP James Kelly has attended boxing shows held by the club.

He said it would be a “massive loss” to the community, adding: “They have brought in a lot of young people and got them involved in boxing and keeping fit which is very positive. They are making a huge contribution and I know Archie has made a huge personal commitment to the club.”

Chief operations officer of Boxing Scotland Fraser Wilson said he was unaware of the situation but added: “Boxing clubs are important as they have an impact in the communities they are based.”

Archie added: “Everyone connected with the club are approaching all the businesses we can. This is the first time I’ve asked people for help.”

Anyone interested in sponsoring Durie’s can contact Archie on 07590515576.