A historic South Liverpool boxing gym threatened with closure has found a new home.

Golden Gloves ABC, based in Dingle, plans to move into a refurbished space on Lodge Lane in April.

Established in 1947, Golden Gloves is currently home to GB boxer and Commonwealth champion Anthony Fowler, who is hopeful of competing at the Rio Olympics later this year.

A dispute over increased rents had put the club’s future in doubt until its plight was brought to wider attention through social media. In June 2015 promoter Eddie Hearn donated £5,000 through his Matchroom Boxing Foundation to enable the club to stay open until new premises could be found.

Wayne Smith, head coach at Golden Gloves, says: “The new gym will benefit the club in all aspects as it’s the first time we have had our own premises.

“In what is a very multi-cultural area, all different groups can come along and feel at home whether they just want to punch the bags or take part in any of our sessions.”

Wayne adds: “We are not just a boxing club , we are family where everybody is welcome”

Plans for the new gym also include a café were the local community can eat healthily and learn more about staying fit.

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