CLUB’S NEW GYM IS A KNOCKOUT FOR EDDIE!
Strongman unveils facilities at community boxing academy
A BOXING club has unveiled its new gym – with the help of strongman Eddie Hall.
Former professional fighter Andy Keates opened Keatesy’s Boxing Academy in Leek in June 2019 with partner and coowner Carly Ball.
The venue is a unisex boxing academy for professionals and amateurs of all ages.
Now the couple behind the academy have expanded to include a gym which offers a membership of £25 a month, as well as a community room available for local people.
It was officially opened yesterday by former World’s Strongest Man Eddie who has been helped by Andy, above, for his forthcoming boxing bout with Game of Thrones star Hafthor ‘The Mountain’ Bjornsson.
Andy, who ended his 18-year career to become a coach last year, said: “We’re really excited about the gym. We’ve done a lot for the community, particularly with our mental health days and the community room we have.
“It’s been a massive help for me, for my own mental health. Coming here really sorts me out. There’s a lot of people who might be in a bad way, so we want the support to be there for them. “We’re really excited and want to thank Eddie for the support.”
Eddie said: “Having the gyms open is fantastic news because people can get moving again. But Andy’s gym is more than just a gym facility – it’s a place for people to chat, get to know people and open up.
“Andy has my full support. He’s been a big part of my training for my upcoming match with Thor and he’s doing great things for the community.”
Despite the new gym opening, the academy’s boxing classes are not able to go ahead until May 17.
Co-owner Carly, below, said: “It’s a shame. We have set up an area outside and we’ll be doing a class every Monday. It’s weatherdependent, but we’ve already had about 30 people sign up for it.
“Sadly over lockdown a lot of lads have lost motivation and stopped training. Before lockdown we’d have about 300 people a week coming for different classes. It’s frustrating because we know that we can keep people safe. Fitness is so important, not only physically but for mental health too. During lockdown we’ve also been holding mental health days every Saturday with a nurse, who has been doing talks.
“We’ve missed having people in the academy, and we hope we can open up properly and get back to classes really soon. But now we’re excited about the new gym, and people can find out more about that through our Facebook page, including how to get a membership.”