Swindon, a town renowned for its rich boxing heritage, is about to welcome a brand-new amateur boxing club following overwhelming demand.
Alpha Amateur Boxing Club will open its doors next month, and anticipation is running high. The club’s open day is scheduled for this Sunday, June 11th, from 9 am to 1 pm, and everyone is invited to attend.
Situated in Isis Industrial Estate, off Shrivenham Road, Swindon SN1 2PG, the club is the brainchild of Kyle Neilson, a key figure in the Swindon-based professional boxing promotional outfit led by Mark Neilson. Mark, the CEO of the highly regarded Neilson Boxing, is one of the country’s busiest promoters.
“Swindon is a town that has produced an exceptional number of professional boxers for its size, including my own father Eddie Neilson, a former heavyweight who achieved top rankings in the 1970s and 1980s,” remarked Mark
“He regularly appeared on terrestrial TV, facing off against household names like Joe Bugner and Frank Bruno. This legacy continued with talented boxers such as Pete Neal, Ricky Porter, Jamie Cox, and many others. What they all had in common was starting their careers in amateur clubs.”
Mark continued, “The amateur club will be based at our gym, Alpha Boxing & Fitness, which was the natural choice. As a teenager, I boxed for a local club, and the amateur scene was thriving. Over the years, the number of clubs has diminished, and starting an amateur club seemed like a logical progression given our deep involvement in local boxing.”
Club Secretary Kyle Neilson expressed his excitement about the club’s launch, saying, “We’re excited to get the club up and running. Having passed our England Boxing inspection with flying colours, we are really keen to get going. Amateur boxers can fight up to the age of 40, so we’re hopefully going to attract a wide range of experience from the local community. Affiliation with England Boxing enables amateur boxers to represent their country and ultimately, box in the Olympics”.
Kyle added, “Our Coaches are enthusiastic about helping individuals who walk through our doors to develop their self-confidence and work through any anxieties or mental health issues they may have. Finally being ready for the club to open is such an achievement and pleasure, especially in current times of financial constraints”.
Head Coach Gary Venton, who will be assisted by Tracey Kaye, stated, “There’s the opportunity for everyone to come and view the premises, meet the coaches, and get free pad sessions to see if they like it. They can also sign up to the club on the day if they wish. I am confident that the club will become a well-used facility and meeting place, not only to train and improve fitness but to make new friends”.
The club’s official first session is scheduled for July 3rd, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for aspiring amateur boxers in Swindon.
The open day will feature appearances from local boxing stars, including World Title challenger Jamie Cox and former Commonwealth champion Luke Watkins. Kelvin Young and Pete Neal will also be present.
For further information about the club, please contact 01793 976390, email info@alphaboxingswindon.co.uk, or reach out via their social media platforms.
