BILLY

Born and bred near the Elephant and Castle, Billy's early boxing memories sound like a Charles Dickens novel. He had his first bout as a schoolboy, and would typically box several times a week. None of the boys had boxing boots or gum-shields and hand-wraps were unheard of. His boxing career was interrupted when he got the call to serve queen and country. De-mobbed and skint, Billy turned to the travelling boxing fairs - (fashionable then, but now long gone) - to earn some extra cash.

Boxing under a false name so as not to get in hot water with the ABA of the day, he would fight who ever the promoter put him in with. In those days, the promoter wasn't interested in boxers that looked like a Trombone player, they only wanted growlers. Suitably equipped, away Billy went. Things didn't always go according to plan, as Billy recalls the time when he woke up and asked if he'd won or not, thinking he was still in the ring. It was actually one hour after the fight had finished and Billy was sat in the café, having treated his two mates to corned beef and chips with the loser's money. Who needs friends?

Billy carried on boxing till his mid-twenties when he hung up his gloves for good and became a coach at the club he had boxed for since he was a schoolboy. Billy still spars today - body shots only - and most boxers wear a gum-shield when he takes them on the pads…….. Charles Dickens or what?

GRANT

One of the more vocal characters in the gym, Grant is currently concentrating on coaching the junior section.

A firm disciplinarian by nature, he likes the sessions to be strictly supervised yet still fun.
It's important the boys enjoy their training rather than just seeing it as hard work.

Born in nearby Waterloo, Grant first boxed for the Fitzroy Lodge as a (much quieter) eleven year old so understands how today's young guns feel, stepping through the ropes for the first time.

Grants biggest headaches tend to be over-bearing parents who have achieved very little themselves but feel their son should win everything in sight, hence the golden rule:- drop them off at the start of the session and pick them up at the end - but don't stay during.

MARK REIGATE

Former Lodge fighter and 3 times Welterweight South East London champion, Mark has been a familiar face in the gym for years. After 101 bouts 'Reigate', as he is affectionately known, has turned his experience to training the next generation.

Mark credits coming to Fitzroy Lodge with turning his boxing around and walking through the gym for the first time remains one of his cherished boxing memories.

His wealth of experience includes boxing in front of 6,000 people in Los Angeles and considers his most noteworthy fight to to be against the former US number 2. dropped in the first round, Reigate stormed back to take a decision and a standing ovation in the opponent's back yard. He has also boxed English Champ Ross Minter, British Champ David Barnes, British & Commonwelth Champ Young Muttley, Southern Champ Dave Walker and current prospects Sam Webb, Anthony Small (another old boy.)

His advice for current boxers? 'Take it seriously!'

JOHN GUILFOYLE

Raised by wild dogs in the second caravan on the left on his encampment, John has certainly come up in the world.....

Another former Lodge standout turned trainer, John looks after the Juniors. A former Junior ABA champ himself he has 67 fights of experience to call on and also grasped 2 London Junior Titles. His best boxing memory was going back to Mick after winning the Junior ABAS by 3rd round KO - a memory which is still as strong today as in 1987.

John has been training the youngsters for 10 years and says his biggest mistake was not listening to Mick Carney! He suggests current fighters do so.....! John says the most important thing about boxing is to make sure you are fit, enjoy it and the rest comes easy.

ADAM MARTIN

Training the Seniors, Adam has the experience and advantage of coming with boxing pedigree - father Peter Martin won the English Schoolboys in 1964 boxing out of the Lodge.

As far as Adam's own career is concerned; he started 'late' at 19, but through 90 bouts, he has won the South East London Title, Southern Counties Title and reached the ABA quarter finals - going out to the eventual competition winner.

His first boxing memory is being told he should go back to football and forget about being a boxer - but he stuck with it and proved the doubter wrong. His fondest memory is winning his first bout for the Lodge against a German on a big hotel dinner show - and getting his Lodge tracksuit. He has visited France, Spain and Germany due to boxing and believes boxing has taught him respect for everyone - never to prejudge.

AHMED MIAH

BIOG TO COME

STEVIE GILES

BIOG TO COME