FIGHTERS at a boxing academy in Didcot now have the punching power to start training to be potential future Olympic champions.
Didcot Boxing Academy has become an affiliated club to England Boxing, the governing body for the sport.
After challenging six months, Didcot Boxing Academy (DBA) received the news of their approval on November 30.
The good news did not stop there, as only three days later they where told the academy had secured a new home, in the land next to The Marlbourough, a social club at the heart of the town.
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Being affiliated to England Boxing means that, as an amateur boxing club, they can help people pursue a boxing career.
Director and founder, Kieran Davies said: “Being affiliated with England boxing allows this town to now establish a future of probabilities within English boxers. [Our boxers] can now go to championships and follow a path that ultimately could lead to the Olympics. Before, there wasn’t a club that was able to provide that in Didcot.”
He explained that this is a safe route to boxing, as now, every athlete who walks through the door must go through the procedures and requirements of England Boxing, for example, medical checks before competitions.
Didcot Boxing Academy opened in 2018 when Kieran moved to the town and realised there was no boxing club in the area.
They welcome adults and children with many different backgrounds; currently around 75% of their members are children between 10 and 16 years old.
Some of those kids have disabilities, some are autistic, and some are just “naughty kids” with broken backgrounds said Kieran.
Coach Marc Wimbledon has known him for several years, he explained that boxing saved him from a troubled youth, and by working alongside Kieran he hopes to save others, and take children off the street by channelling their energy into a sport like boxing.
He said: “Overall, DBA has become such a gigantean of self-belief and good morals that now that we have officially become an amateur club, we have enabled ourselves more opportunities to present to those with different goals and targets.
"Whether it is the next world boxing champ or simply those that wish to vent, or perhaps learn to defend themselves, we know that DBA will be leading the way.”
Ellie Walker’s son Bobby joined DBA seven months ago, she explained that Bobby has Autism, ADHD and challenging behaviour, along with insomnia, and has struggled to fit in anywhere but at DBA.
“Before Didcot Boxing, Bobby had so many challenging behaviours. Since he started boxing he has become more sociable, has made friends and everyone there has accepted him for who he is. Kieran and his team of coaches have worked on some of his issues, helped with Bobby’s weaknesses and built on his strengths.”
Didcot Boxing Academy joint venture with The Marlbourough has given them the opportunity to find a new home.
As part of their future plans, they will move next to the community owned club in the centre of the town which will give them a central position to welcome more members and be more involved with the community.
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