Michael Watson to open boxing gym in Willenhall
Former British and Commonwealth champion Michael Watson will open his first boxing academy in Willenhall next month.
The 48-year-old, who suffered a serious brain injury in a fight with Chris Eubank in 1991, wants to develop the next generation of boxing stars.
He had been asked by long-time friend Mark Farrow, who lives in Walmley, to become part of the gym.
Watson was in a 40-day coma and in intensive care for eight months after developing a blood clot on the brain following his super middleweight title bout with Eubank and did not walk for six years.
He completed the London Marathon in 2003, raising £200,000 for charity and devotes his time to ensuring kids stay away from crime.
He said: "This could be the spark. This club is a great idea for youth in general and this is the beginning of big things to come for youngsters.
"These are souls, these are real lives and if you give them the inspiration and encouragement they need they can become great people. They can transform."
The gym, on Keats Road in Willenhall, has qualified coaches and is open now for classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and the weekend between 6.30-7.30pm for children and 7.30-8.30pm for adults.
And Watson will officially open Michael Watson's Boxing Academy on Saturday June 8 from noon.
Spencer Oliver, who suffered a blood clot on his brain in a European super-bantamweight title fight with Ukrainian Sergei Devakov in 1998, will be there with fellow boxers Wayne Elcock and Wayne Alexander.
There will be a barbecue and bouncy castle. Watson will also host an evening at the Green Rock Tavern in Walsall on June 8 with tickets available from Mark Farrow on 07710 610 049.
