CLUB FEATURE: THE FOX ABC MANCHESTER

The Fox ABC in Manchester has been run by Jimmy Lewis for over 36 years in which time he has had a host of boxing talent win National titles, schoolboy championships, ABA titles and some have gone on to make their name in the professional ranks after learning the game with Mr Lewis.

Current British lightweight champion Anthony Crolla came through with Jimmy and now helps him train the lads 3 nights a week at his old club. Other amateur boxing products from the gym Charlie Perry and Charlie O’Brien also now help to coach with Jimmy and Anthony.

As well as Crolla, who won an ABA title with The Fox, there are many other star names who have learnt their trade under Jimmy’s stewardship.

Boxers such as Joey Jacobs, Michael Brodie, Craig Watson, Denton Vassell, Karl Place, Terry Flanagan and their coach Stephen Maylett all started out at the Fox when it was in Ancoats. Other names over the years are too many too list, Jimmy remembers Lee Haines, the Canello brothers, Eric Noye and Kevin Taylor who fought for England at the Olympic games.

Jimmy started the original gym above the Fox pub in Blackley in 1978, they then moved to Ancoats in the old Police station. That gym got burned down and so Jimmy moved to Bradford Rd. When they were forced to leave them premises too offered Jimmy the use of his gym on Oldham Rd to train the amateurs at night.

See also Jimmy Lewis