Champions drop into Bilston boxing gym

Former fighter Richard Ghent has started up RG Box Fit on Oxford Street and held an open day for local people,

The 28-year-old has moved to the area from Coseley in Dudley, after getting married to wife Victoria and buying their first home.

Ghent utilised his contacts to attract television presenter Gary Newbon and boxing champions Sam Eggington and Craig Cunningham.

He was put in touch with Newbon as they have a mutual friend in Gary Redmonds, of the Lean Engineering and Manufacturing Academy (LEMA) in Birmingham who sponsor his gym.

Eggington and Cunningham were brought over by their manager Jon Pegg, who all know Ghent from his fighting days.

The two lit up the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham last month, live on Sky Sports, as they scored career-best victories.

Britain's only-ever male world amateur champion Frankie Gavin was vanquished by eighth round stoppage by Stourbridge's Eggington in a Fight of the Year contender.

Brummie Cunningham, who lives in Oldbury, almost stole the show as he claimed the scalp of Anthony Ogogo, London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, by eighth round retirement.

The two were in possession of the WBC International belts they won on the night and posed for photographs with the three-figure crowd. Both used to be amateurs at Warley Boxing Club.

The event also raised £350 for Sedgley's Latham Grant, the Stafford Rangers semi-professional footballer who needs £40,000 for treatment of a rare cancer.

Ghent said: "The open day was a great success, better than I expected. Gary Newbon was great value and was talking to everyone about the top fights he had commentated on.

"Jon got Sam and Craig here, although I know all three of them personally. The crowd treated them like they were superstars and everyone wanted their picture took with the belts.

"When they heard we were having a collection for Latham, as well, they were buzzing to be able to help in any way."

RG Box Fit occupies the room upstairs of the building that also homes the Ultimate Fitness gym. They opened their doors for the event, too, as a supporter and helped fundraise for Grant.

Ghent's operation runs from 7am-9pm Monday to Saturday, where people can use the facility for £3 as a child and £5 for adults.

A boxing ring, eight punchbags, speed balls and various other equipment is all good to go, with personal sessions also available.

Ghent runs five fitness classes and teaches self-defence, with a class of 26 now going through his basics to advanced boxing lessons.

He's hoping to become affiliated with England Boxing next year, so the Level Two trainer can officially produce carded fighters to lace up the gloves competitively.

He started coaching with Priory Park Boxing Club, who he represented in 49 contests. He turned pro for another six bouts, where he was undefeated.

He said: "I'm in the heart of the Black Country here and, one day, I want to be producing champions out of the Bilston area.

"I've had kids who have been bullied and women lacking confidence come into the gym looking to get fit and learn how to box. This sport is perfect for them.

"We've got a little troupe going on now and I see potential among them. If they keep progressing and more people come on board, we'll have enough to start a proper boxing club.

"I want this place running around the clock, it's my full-time job now and my home is literally two minutes walk away.

"I was coaching and working as a personal trainer when I was still boxing and, after a while, that became my passion rather than fighting.

"I get the itch to go back, sometimes, but I believe I can make a difference with this rather than chasing pipe dreams. In another way, boxing is still my life."