A Bolton based gym and business have proved to be a knockout team.

Elite Boxing/Halliwell Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) have a new modern boxing ring thanks to support from Seddon Construction and Land Recovery. 

The gym operates on two floors of Wordsworth Mill in the area, having a boxing ring on the lower floor  - and now thanks to the generous donation by the firm have one upstairs.

Danny McCann trains at Elite, and is the director of painting and maintenance at Seddon. The firm contributed £3000 to go towards the new ring. 

He said: "You realise a lot of what they do in the community is like what Seddon do. It is not just a boxing gym, it does so much for the community, free kids classes, over 50s, women's classes. 

The Bolton News: Owner Alex Matvienko training a boxer on the new ringOwner Alex Matvienko training a boxer on the new ring (Image: Seddon)

"As much as we can put in, we want to do, and that is why we wanted to support them. 

"They had this huge space upstairs, but only one ring for gym classes, a lot of the time with amateurs, it was busy so it was important to get a ring. 

"It's not only for the amateurs, but kids can use it. I come three times a week, it is about giving back." 

He added: "What they're doing at the gym, I thought to get a ring in there I know is how we can best give back to anybody who comes through these doors. 

"It's important for the youngsters, to give them somewhere to go." 

The Bolton News: Boxers trainingBoxers training (Image: Seddon)

Alex Matvienko, owner of the gym, said: "We have had this open for 20 years, we are a gym but do a lot of community stuff, we get good boxers like Cindy Ngamba, who we are hoping to get into the Olympics, professional champions, and community stuff changing many lives. 

"We had this big room but were struggling with a ring. Boxers need a ring, it is like an electrician without a screwdriver. 

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"This generous donation from Seddon has been a game-changer for us. The new ring has not only uplifted our facilities but also the spirits of everyone who walks through our doors. 

"We've recently acquired a Youth Centre located in the same mill as Elite Boxing. Danny and the Seddon team will be generously assisting us with the necessary painting work." 

Alex trained Tommy Fury last year for his fight against Jake Paul in Saudi Arabia, and is an ex-professional boxer. 

The Bolton News: TrainingTraining (Image: Seddon)

He added: "To further develop this space into a safe space for the youth in the area, we are reaching out for additional donations and volunteers.

"Our plan is to provide boxing training, an array of recreational activities, and even educational programs.”

Lucas Barton, aged 17, an amateur boxer at the gym, said: "Our new ring has made an undeniable positive impact, not just for Halliwell ABC, but for the entire community.  It helps our boxers and students to get a feel for the ring whether it's one of our amateurs or one of our seasoned professionals.

"A ring makes a huge difference compared to the mat or floor as we get to practice things like taking the centre of the ring and using the ropes to our advantage. 

"Things like this were previously impossible with the absence of a ring. From all the Halliwell ABC and Elite Boxing, we are grateful to have the opportunity to use a ring in our training as it makes a massive difference and will propel us towards greatness."