IN THE heart of one of Bolton’s most deprived communities sits Elite Boxing Gym - a club and lifeline for people from all walks of life.

With members training on a daily basis from professional and amateur, women’s and children’s classes, the gym based in Wordsworth Street, Halliwell is transforming lives.

Only recently boxing world champion Frank Bruno spoke out about the benefits of the sport for people’s mental health and how the pandemic has affected us all.

That’s why Elite Boxing trains those suffering from depression and anxiety, as well as former veterans who need to maintain a healthy body and healthy mind.

The club is run by ex-professional boxer Alex Matvienko and head kickboxing coach, Sean Fogg.

Matvienko trained at Oliver’s gym in Salford under Humphrey and Oliver Harrison who trained boxers such as Jamie Moore, Amir Khan, Mark Thompson, Stevie Foster, Rocky Fielding and other up and coming prospects.

Sean Fogg is a qualified Amateur boxing coach and has cornered many fighters over the years and been lucky to have seen and trained with the greats like Mark Russell and Humphrey Harrison among other talented professional fighters.

“It's been a hard time for everyone because of lockdown and we have seen so many people who have been suffering with their mental health. It amazing to be involved in something so positive and be able to give a little something to people who have given so much for others,” said Alex.

Elite runs a Transforming Lives Group as part of its mental wellbeing classes, led by professional boxer Jack Flatley.

These will be regular sessions at the gym and will be every Monday at 12pm and Friday at 7pm providing training to army veterans.

“We aren’t just a club for the professional fighters and amateurs we are part of the community we are part of the C.I.C hub which we will continue to be a part of beyond the gym. Our doors are always open for you,” added Alex.

The club is now offering free classes for the over fifties and free sessions on Thursdays for kids.

Not only is the club supporting those from across Greater Manchester with their physical and mental health but they are training professionals ahead of MMA and boxing fights being back on the card.

Sean said: “We have time for members of the public as much as we do for our professional and amateur fighters. People don’t realise that we are just as passionate in working with those who need us and who want to improve their mental and physical health following lockdown – as much as we are with the professionals.”

For a full list of classes visit www.eliteboxing.co.uk or on facebook.