Central dream becomes reality for boxing fanatics

The dream of creating a new boxing gym capable of housing elite professionals has become reality for self confessed fanatics Julian McGowan and John Tallant.
Tony Aitcheson and Gary Sykes following their first spar at the new Central ClubTony Aitcheson and Gary Sykes following their first spar at the new Central Club
Tony Aitcheson and Gary Sykes following their first spar at the new Central Club

The new Central Boxing gym, at New Ing Mills, Batley, will be home to British title challenger Gary Sykes and unbeaten stablemate Tony Aitcheson.

Central have moved their base from the nearby Dicky’s Gym and are already creating a buzz in boxing circles.

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Former World champion Jamie McDonnell will spar Sykes at the new Central on Friday and other elite boxers are sure to follow in the coming weeks.

The new gym was the brainchild of boxing trainers Julian McGowan and John Tallant but they have received help from close friends and family — including Wayne McGowan and Jamie White — working up to 15 hours a day to get the gym ready.

McGowan said: “We spoke for some time about creating an inspirational environment for pros to train.

“We wanted somewhere befitting of a British champion, Dewsbury’s number one star, and an emerging star in Tony Aitcheson to train.

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“There has been a lot of physical work involved in getting the place how we want it. “Wayne and Jamie have been amazing with the work they have done but what we have is a massive reward.

“We took on board Gary’s opinions of how he would like the gym to look as ultimately the fighters have to be happy.

“We have kept the red, white and blue colours of Central but we have dropped the ‘club’ from our name and will now be known simply as Central Boxing.

“Gary and Tony had the gym’s first spar on Monday, the sun was streaming through the windows and it was a magnificent sight.

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“Me and John have gone from boxing nuts as 11 year olds, to boxing ourselves and now we are realising the ultimate dream of having our own boxing gym and working with two talented fighters in Gary and Tony.

“We are always aware that the dream may be short lived but we will enjoy it while ever it lasts and our aim is to deliver titles and belts to the gym and this area, starting with the British title on May 24.”

McGowan and Tallant will continue to run their popular Tuesday evening classes for novice boxers but ultimately it is a gym for professional sportsmen and women to train.

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