Boxing is seen by many as one of the toughest sports in the world, with challenges ranging from dieting to make fight weight, to ultimately taking blows to the head and body. With all the hardships that boxers go through, succeeding in the discipline can only be achieved by those with the fortitude to sustain a willingness for regular competition.
East London fighters
With many high-profile clubs such as West Ham Boxing Club, Repton Amateur Boxing Club and Peacocks Gym, boxing around East London has a long tradition. In an effort to cut down on high gang crime, drugs and violence, clubs in the area, particularly Fight For Peace Amateur Boxing Club, are funded by the government in an attempt to give youngsters a sense of direction.
A former Finchley elite boxer, Chavez Campbell recently opted to box in East London to improve his skills. The Repton fighter put the success of the area down to tradition.
“The history of the East End being a rough area and learning to fight on the streets is key,” Campbell said. “The history that some of the clubs hold, such as past champions and the famous York Hall where boxing was pretty much born, is an attraction.”
Campbell has long been lured by the atmosphere of Repton Boxing Club. “I came to Repton years ago. I came back because I missed the grit and hustle. You rub shoulders with top boxers in England and coaches are on your case.”
Stepping through ropes
One of the club’s other rising stars, Thomas Bennet, put the success down to the characteristics of the fighters in the gyms.
“I’ve noticed everybody in these gyms is eager to step through the ropes and go to war and all sparring serves a purpose,” Bennet said. “Historically, East London has been home to much of London’s working class and the potential glory and riches wait at the upper echelon of the sport.”
Bennet moved to East London for university, and with high boxing aspirations, the 20-year-old has been served well.
He explained, “I chose to go to uni in London so that I could elevate my level of boxing competition, and I just so happened to be placed in accommodation that was five minutes away from Repton.”
With a huge role of honours for juniors dating back to the 1800s and constant funding going into boxing clubs in the area, East London looks likely to continue to create champion after champion, year after year.