Boxer to open new Brampton gym

9th January 2008

CARLISLE boxer Charles Shepherd the former British, Commonwealth and IBO World super-featherweight champion is set to open a new gym at Brampton’s William Howard School, and is hoping to discover Cumbria’s next boxing champion.

The new gym's main aim is to get kids off the streets and offer them a healthier alternative to playing computer games. Shepherd, who has still not ruled out a possible return after four years away from the ring, wants to help tackle the growing childhood obesity problem. The 37-year-old, whose greatest moment came when he defeated American Tom “Boom Boom” Johnson to win the world title at Carlisle’s Sands Centre in July 1999, revealed he would love to unearth a future British boxing hero to follow in the footsteps of Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe and Amir Khan.

The gym opens on Monday and Shepherd and William Howard sports teacher Barry Scougal will run sessions every Monday and Wednesday for kids and an adults’ class on a Friday. Shepherd said: “We want to try to get youngsters fit and give them something to do. “They will have the opportunity to learn the basics of boxing in a safe, controlled environment. “We will have bags, pads and gloves and they can throw a few punches at me if they want. “I’ll teach them all aspects of boxing but the main thing is getting them off the streets and get them fit. “Boxing makes youngsters feel good about themselves because you learn discipline and respect for other people, which is what is lacking in society. “I always had a plan that I wanted to do something that would give something back to the community after having a successful career. “This will be fantastic for the kids and for the school and you never know, I might just spot a young boxer with some potential. “They won’t be pushed into anything, but if they are good enough and keen enough I will point them in the right direction.”

Shepherd has not fought since his controversial draw with Barry Hughes for the WBU International title in Glasgow in 2004. Since winning the world title, he has struggled with his weight, which contributed to him losing the crown to Frenchman Affif Djelti on his first defence in Carlisle in February 2000, and has also has three young children. But he has refused to rule out a possible return as a lightweight. Shepherd said: “I know I’ve still got it as a lightweight and I’m still only 37. I’ll never say never as I’ve a few years left. “I wasn’t a natural at super-featherweight and making the weight used to be a nightmare. I was totally weight-drained when I lost to Djelti.”

The new gym is open on Mondays between 7.30pm-8.30pm to children aged eight to 11, on Wednesdays 8.30pm-9.30pm for children aged 12 to 18, Fridays to women and girls between 7.30pm-8.30pm and men 8.30pm-9.30pm.

For more information, contact William Howard School on 016977 45700.