NOT every gym can be described as the home of champions, but this is a perfectly accurate description for Leigh Boxing and Fitness.
From a humble facility on Scott Street, off Wigan Road, the Leigh boxing gym has become one of the most decorated clubs in the country after producing champion after champion in the ring.
With head coach Adrian Fleming instilling the principles of hard work and dedication, it seems success has bred success as the club has developed countless regional, national, and European champions - as well as one fighter who has gone on to support the Olympic boxing team in Paris.
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Two of the club's leading lights in recent years has been twin brothers Paddy and Will Hewitt, with the pair winning several national boxing titles between them.
The 21-year-olds have both represented England in European Championships, and Will was recently ranked as the country's top boxer in his weight division.
Previously named the Best GB Academy boxer in 2023, Paddy has won multiple golds for Team GB and was selected in Team GB's supporting squad for the Paris Olympics, where he acted as the back up for bronze medallist Lewis Richardson.
Although Paddy was desperate to be the one in the ring, those at his boxing club said he was "so happy" to support the Olympic team, and they have no doubt he has the potential to represent Great Britain at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
With an increasing number of 'Team Leigh' boxers becoming champions in recent years, the Scott Street boxing gym has become one of the "most decorated clubs" across Great Britain.
Two more fighters who have ensured that 'Team Leigh' is firmly on the boxing map is two-time British champion Eloise Edwards and Senior Elite British champion Ella Thompstone, who was also recently ranked Number One in the country.
Further champions from various age groups include Ethyn Weaver, John Dugdale, Cain Morris, Isaac Simm, Coley Rimmer, Olivia Mills, Emily Monks, Jack Catterall, Zak Adams, Kyle Parr, and Matty Burgess, with many more impressive athletes coming through the ranks.
While Leigh Boxing and Fitness has been celebrated for its success in the ring and for nurturing boxing talent, it is also highly respected as it is an inclusive facility that welcomes people from all abilities or backgrounds.
With between 50 to 60 people attending sessions throughout the week, the facility gives young people a productive outlet and helps to keep them off the streets, while older athletes join in with the coaching of younger boxers.
This is why Greater Manchester Police is so supportive of the club, and recently awarded it with a £20,000 grant from the Proceeds of Crime Act.
The grant will help to continue the club's work in the community and fund an extension to the Scott Street building.
The desperately needed funding was marked with an event with Greater Manchester mayor and long-time supporter of the club Andy Burnham, Leigh and Atherton MP Jo Platt, Leigh West councillor Dane Anderton, Trevor Barton, and members of Astley Rotary club.
With a long-term ambition of becoming a 'Centre of Excellence Academy', Leigh Boxing and Fitness is looking for further investment and sponsorship to help improve its facilities and support its young boxers.
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