The Jimmy Egan Boxing Academy in Wythenshawe Manchester is 37 years old this year. Established 14th January 1980 and still reigning in an area once infamous as the biggest council estate project in Europe, the club has helped to house and change the lives of many youngsters and adults who have walked through it’s many doors.
The club that was opened by the late great Jimmy Egan was initially at the Forum complex in the centre of Wythenshawe, but has had many homes over the years since, 13 to be exact, enduring a nomadic existence as landlords and council chiefs moved them on everytime they got settled.
Jimmy Egan
But if they really had any idea or cared what this club, Jimmy and his sons and the other coaches and volunteers have achieved over the years, what correction facilities, social workers and do good council support teams have failed to do in the area, then someone would surely have gifted them a premises free of charge and big enough to accommodate more who need it.
Now they are settled after signing a long lease at their small but secure Royalthorn Road base in Benchill, their success of creating champions and being a correction facility hub for wayward youths of the area, is unparalleled and amazing.
Boxers who have come through the ranks and achieved pro success after walking through the door as kids, include Tyson Fury, Hughie Fury, Hosea Burton, Jimmy Kelly Jr, Kofi Yates, Macaulay McGowan to name just a few. That doesn’t include the endless amateur champions who have represented the club, a list far too long to name for this article, but who have all have added to the clubs legacy. (Anyone who has represented or been to the club, please feel free to leave your comments, thoughts or stories in the comment section below)
Sadly Jimmy Egan didn’t live to witness what the boxers named above went on to achieve, he passed away after a battle with cancer in 2004, but his name and his spirit still adorn the gym and his sons Steve and Shaun Egan still continue to run the club in his name and do the great work their Dad set out to achieve.
British Boxers recently visited the gym to catch up with Steve and Shaun on a busy evening last week, speak to them about the anniversary of the club, their dad’s legacy and how they are getting on. We also chatted to some of the kids and also former club member and former world title challenger Jimmy Kelly who started at the gym aged eight.
We hope you enjoy this video about the club, if you want to find out more or you are interested in attending or making a donation/sponsorship proposal then please contact them. Details below.
The Jimmy Egan Centre, Royalthorn Rd, Benchill Wythenshawe, Manchester, United Kingdom, M22 8BG
Follow them on Twitter: @EgansClub or Call Shaun: 07957704002 / Steve: 07886035030
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