'Tory Tornado' dusts off gloves to support new boxing club

A new boxing club and gym in Abergavenny has seen the ‘Tory Tornado’ return to the ring.

Monmouth MP David Davies, who used to fight in white-collar bouts, was put through his paces at Abergavenny Boxing Club.

Set up by current Welsh Area super-lightweight champion Kieran Gething and his family, the facility opened in March with the aim of providing an inclusive community hub.

As well as teaching young people the sport of boxing, numerous fitness and sports classes are run at the gym in Hatherleigh Place for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.

Mr Davies met with Kieran to learn about his future plans for the club, before dusting off the gloves for a sparring session with coach Alex Gething.

“It is fantastic to see such enthusiasm for boxing in Abergavenny,” said Mr Davies.

“Boxing can be so beneficial to young people, by not only promoting physical fitness but instilling confidence, motivation and self-discipline.

“What Kieran has created is ‘Boxing for the Community’. Alongside being a facility for competitive sport, which will hopefully produce some local champions from the area through amateur boxing, this is an exciting space to work out and keep fit.

“I used to do a bit of boxing myself, although age has caught up with me as I discovered when I jumped in the ring with Alex!

“Keeping fit physically goes hand in hand with mental health and while there is plenty of science behind that, anyone who does a bit of exercise will instinctively know it to be true.”

A former Welsh Senior Elite champion with 35 wins from amateur bouts, Kieran is now quickly rising up the professional rankings.

He said he wanted to “give something back” after the local community had supported his boxing career and is now looking at starting a club in Monmouth.

“We’ve had a really warm reception to the idea so far,” said Kieran.

“It was great to speak with Mr Davies and discuss how we could perhaps get more involvement and funding into these clubs.

“If anyone is open to engaging with the sport of boxing or might be able to help with a venue in Monmouth, we would be delighted to hear from you.”