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The new gym in Moss Side which opened its doors in May 2008 is already working with local youngsters to take up the sport and to stay on the straight and narrow.

31 May: schoolboy boxing in Moss Side

The new training facility received the considerable backing of boxing superstars Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and David Haye who turned up at the official opening on Thurs 12 June 2008.

Speaking at the launch, Amir Khan said: "I think that places like Manchester and Moss Side need a place like this - a boxing gym where it's going to teach the kids discipline, keep them out of trouble. Out there, there's a lot gun crime, knife crime and this is one of the places that will keep them off the wrong path."

Added Ricky Hatton: "That's what amateur boxing is all about. You'd like to make champions out of everyone but whether they have 101 fights or one fight, if they become a better person through boxing which is always the case, we're onto a winner."

Fire safety

As well as learning the art of boxing, Moss Side youngsters will be educated on fire safety issues, the dangers of fire setting and the impact on a community when firefighters are attacked.

Graham Plant, Manchester South Borough Commander for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "Moss Side is a very diverse area, culturally with many social and economic conditions that are unique; these factors have produced a youth culture where gang involvement and crime is an all too real danger for many young people. 

"By providing these training facilities and working with the community groups in the area we believe we can have a positive influence on the young people who are drawn by the kudos of boxing, increasing their self esteem and helping to form citizens of the future, whilst having ambassadors for the fire service on the streets of Moss Side".