Muhammed Mustaqim reports on the recent death of a boxing legend…
West Ham ABC’s boxer and trainer Sam Bezzina has heaped praise upon the late and legendary boxing coach Mickey May.
“Mickey May was the main man. In the gym he had more than 50 years of experience and more than a hundred national champions,” said Bezzina.
“He worked hard and continued with me without giving up and helping me box for England.”
Since its establishment in 1922, the West Ham ABC Gym has had a history of unleashing some of the greatest East End fighters; including Terry Spinks, who won an Olympic gold in 1956, and in the modern era Kevin Mitchell, who won the ABA featherweight championship at just age 18.
The club opened their new gym in Plaistow after moving away from their traditional gym at the Black Lions pub.
“The old gym wasn’t big enough for 80 active fighters to train every day of the week,” said Bezzina. “We’ve opened up at a new gym so more boxers can train and things will be easier. We use the same method with every other boxer. Always shadow box so you can see the strengths and weaknesses of a fighter: skipping, footwork, bags, pads, fitness and conditioning work are all worked on as part of an intense work-out.”
He also added: “Myself, I am a come-forward fighter. Not the best type of boxer but not faking backwards: step and always having it toe to toe. My advice to any first-timers out there is never give up. Always work hard and don’t take any short cuts.”
Bezzina continues to box at the West Ham ABC Gym and also trains on Thursdays from 5pm till 6:30pm; they welcome anyone from the University of East London to take part in boxing as they have close connections with UEL’s SportsDock.