Boxing in the chapel

Story & photo:Carrie Hedderwick

After much hard graft to clear pigeon poo, plaster, and more, Ali Hamed converted the derelict right hand chapel in Burngreave Cemetery into the ABC boxing gym.

Ali’s vision is for it to become a hub for local youngsters and he works with the adventure playground to provide boxing and life skills training. Sessions are aimed at 8 to 20+ year old boys and girls. Although fewer girls attend, the presence of regular coach, qualified sports therapist and St John’s Ambulance worker Lisa provides some gender balance!

Legendary Brendan Ingle in his Wincobank gym inspired both Lisa and Ali in their youth. Shazad, the third coach, encouraged young boxers in a sparring session when I was there. Others were busy with the punch bag and footwork.

Ali Hamed, a professional boxing trainer manages three young boxers, including Muheeb Fazeldin, the Central Area Champion in the super bantamweight class and a contender for the Commonwealth and British Empire title. All boxers need a secure gym base, regular training in and out of the gym and nurturing by an experienced manager whether they are amateur, professional, or casual.

Ali strives to provide this and is currently fundraising to lower the cost to his young boxers. If anyone can offer financial advice or practical help, this would be much appreciated.

The ABC gym opens 3.30pm to 6.00pm Monday to Friday – fees £5.00 per week.

Sparring
Sparring

<< | Up | >>

Print version

The content on this page was added to the website by Graham Jones on 2016-01-13 09:14:00.
The content of the page was last modified by Alice Kirby on 2016-09-28 12:18:20.

Follow us on Twitter @TheBMessenger

All content is copyright © Burngreave Messenger Ltd. or its voluntary contributors, unless otherwise stated, not to be reproduced without permission. If you have any comments, or are interested in contributing to the Messenger and getting involved, please contact us.

Burngreave Messenger Ltd. Abbeyfield Park House, Abbeyfield Road, Sheffield S4 7AT.
Telephone: 0114 242 0564. Email: mail@burngreavemessenger.org
Company Limited by Guarantee: 04642734
Registered Charity: 1130836

The Burngreave Messenger is a community newspaper with editorial independence, funded by the Big Lottery, Foyle Foundation, Trusthouse Charitable Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Scurrah Wainwright Charity, local residents and our advertisers.

Help the Messenger with a donation