In Episode 1 of our New Boxing Biography Interview series, we speak to the former pro boxer now a respected coach in Salford.
Gary Booth founder and head coach of the Pro/Am Salford City Boxing Academy, was once a middleweight boxer well respected in Manchester and further a field.
Gary turned pro in January 1986 on the back of a solid amateur grounding. He went on to have 27 fights, winning 15, losing 11 and drawing 1, on what was a tough and unforgiving circuit in the day, there was no such thing as an easy fight and a loss didn’t spell disaster to a fledgling career.
Dropping close decisions is often an away fighters cross to bear and getting stopped on cuts was often the case for Gary, who says he never really took his career seriously. He walked away from the sport in 1990 for seven years, until he returned in 1997, after being inspired watching his friend and former gym mate Ensley Bingham challenge Ronald Winky Wright for the world title.
Gary had five comeback wins on the bounce and then lost his last two, one against future British champion Michael Jones. After his last fight in September 1998, he walked away from boxing for a second time, but again he wasn’t set to stay in the sunset for ever and boxing again lured him back, this time with the intentions of being a coach and giving something back to his sport he loves.
Since then, Gary has trained many pros, established, upcoming and past champions. The amateur setup at his gym is thriving and the gym in general in Irlam is a great hub for local youths and adults.
In our new ‘My Life in Boxing Series’ this first episode looks back over Gary career beginning’s, middle and end, at his Greater Manchester gym and find out about his life in boxing and his new life as a full time coach.
Interview/Video by Chris Maylett.
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