Gloves back on for town boxing club

Back at Bramall Lane...Ex Blades player now in the boxing ring Curtis Woodhouse on his way to beating Mansfields Matt Scriven.

The former British Masters and Midlands light middleweight champion was forced to close the gym two years ago due to work commitments as a security consultant in Iraq.

But Matt says Robin Hood ABC, on Thorseby Street, will be a total knockout, with an expensive refurbishment almost complete and an on-site barber shop to help with running costs.

Matt, a trained barber of 15 years, said: “I have spent a lot of money on the place. It has been hard work and - my dad used to call it an expensive hobby.

“It is a lot of work for not a lot of cash return but I am going to make it work.”

The gym will feature a new ring and training equipment and as well as preparing amateur boxers to be British champions there will training classes for adults and children.

Matt has trained British champions before and won the British Super Flyweight title with Andy Bell.

The gym also fostered Mansfield Woodhouse prospects the Sharp brothers.

But Matt now hopes to bring boxing talent from the area back to the gym and prepare it for title fights.

Matt, a former Mercian Regiment small arms instructor, is also offering free use of the gym for any soldiers from the famous midands regiment.

Said Matt: “I love that gym and now I can afford to do it right and take my time.

“I am here to stay and will not be closing again.”

Robin Hood ABC will be open from 12th May, seven days a week from 10am-9pm, with children’s classes between 5-6pm and adults’ between 6-7pm.

For more information phone Matt on 07833 995770 or email [email protected].