Castle Point boxing club is fighting for its future after more than 50 years in the ring.

The Canvey-based outfit - who have produced a succession of successful boxers - faces closure following the council's decision to shut their current Barn Gym base.

But coach Terry Dainty is keen to contest the verdict and faces a crunch meeting with the council early next week.

"It's a tragedy," claimed Dainty. "The club has been going for 50 years and, in that time, we have been one of the best boxing clubs in the region.

"We've had numerous champions and right now we have one in the current England squad. He's Lottery funded but has nowhere to train - it's ludicrous."

Dainty has tried in vain to secure a new home for the club but is determined not to throw in the towel.

"We've been training at the gym for 35 years and it's always been in a bad condition," he said.

"There are cracks in the walls and stuff but it's the best it's ever been. Seven years ago we got a Lottery grant to build a new roof and improvements have been made."

The Monico nightclub in Eastern Esplanade, Canvey, has volunteered to hold light training sessions for the boxers on a temporary basis but Dainty is unsure of the club's destiny.

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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