By James Bovington
No-one knows better than club stalwart Callum Abbott that Bramley Villagers boxing and fitness gym is well known as a local hotbed of loyalty, courage, mutual support, positivity and friendship.
This is now even more the case as he received a special award at the club’s recent home show to mark his retirement from competitive boxing on medical advice.
Callum, 28, said: “I went to Villagers around the time it started up when I was about thirteen. It’s been good for me.
“The boxing and the coaches helped build my confidence and particularly helped me cope with the serious speech impediment which had held me back. I went on to have 28 bouts mainly on our shows and won well over half.
“My grandma Sandra had urged me to get involved in an activity and I chose boxing. I’ve kept at it and it’s made sure I’ve stayed on the right track.”
Danny Mitchell is Callum’s long-term coach and sometime sparring partner. “Callum’s a local legend. A working-class hero. We call him the Bramley Mexican because of how tough he is. He’s what a boxer should be.
“An athlete who can showcase skills but also entertain as he trades punches. We’re pleased that Callum will continue training at Villagers and helping with younger boxers who look up to Callum as a role model.”
The final word is Callum’s. “I’ve found that many people will try to pull a person down. At boxing clubs it’s the opposite. When a person commits to the work ethic, the club will build them up. There’s nowhere better. We’d love to welcome new trainee boxers who’ll soon find out just how beneficial and rewarding this sport and this club can be.”
If wanting to train at Bramley Villagers contact the club via Instagram @bramleyvillagersboxing_fitness.
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