A boxing gymnasium within the Cynon Valley that was as soon as on the point of closure is now thriving, because of the willpower of its local people.
The A.N.A. Newbie Boxing Membership in Penrhiwceiber within the south Wales valleys was “one bid away from shedding the membership” after the constructing was put up on the market. However a fundraising effort that introduced collectively native residents raised round £15,000 to safe its future.
As we speak, the gymnasium is flourishing, with greater than 30 members coaching as much as 4 occasions per week and producing Welsh nationwide champions.
Coach Anthony Trow, a former seven-time Welsh champion, mentioned the membership’s survival has been important for the realm.
“It means every thing,” he mentioned. “I’ve come again into the gymnasium just below a yr in the past, and it was going to be offered from beneath our toes.
“We efficiently managed to tug the group collectively, elevate the cash and save the membership.
“To see it thriving like it’s now extra individuals coming in and extra coaches becoming a member of us it is getting in the best course.”
Among the many gymnasium’s success tales is 22-year-old super-heavyweight David Francis, who has shortly emerged as considered one of Wales’ most promising newbie boxers.
Francis beforehand performed rugby at a excessive degree, representing Ospreys academy and Wales Beneath-20s, however accidents pressured him to rethink his future within the sport.
“I performed rugby till I used to be about 21, however I used to be plagued with accidents,” he mentioned. “I did not take pleasure in it for some time and I all the time needed to return to boxing.”
Francis returned to boxing in summer time 2025 and joined the newbie membership later within the yr.
“I got here to the gymnasium in November and I have never seemed again since,” mentioned Francis.
Regardless of having only a handful of bouts, Francis made a speedy rise by the ranks. beating Pontypool ABC’s Joshua Taylor by cut up choice in his sixth combat within the ultimate of the Welsh Nationwide Championships in April.
The competitors featured greater than 230 opponents throughout 37 classes, with boxers representing golf equipment from throughout Wales.
“It was actually surreal,” Francis mentioned. “You do not actually count on it, however you attempt to soak all of it up and luxuriate in it as a result of you do not know when your final one’s going to be.”
His father, Dafydd Francis, admitted he initially had considerations about his son returning to boxing.
“When he mentioned he needed to have a combat, I form of winced slightly bit,” he mentioned.
“However I advised him if he was going to do it, we might be sure that he joined the best gymnasium. I knew Anthony and trusted the setting right here.
“As a father, I needed to verify he was in place and in Penrhiwceiber they’re good. It is extremely inclusive and there are not any egos right here.”
