A GOLD medal winner who has made it into a "small club" of amateur boxers is just the latest success story coming out of Team Leigh boxing.
Competing in a European Competition in North Macedonia earlier this month, Paddy Hewitt became one of the few amateur boxers who won gold in their first tournament representing Great Britain.
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A member of Team Leigh Boxing Club from the age of eight, Paddy, along with his twin brother Will, who has also won national championships and represented England Boxing, are two of the latest athletes who are challenging for titles from their boxing hub in Leigh.
Showing hard work, dedication, and even training the next generation of 'Young Rocky' boxers in the gym, head coach Adrian Fleming said the brothers are "two perfect examples of what can be achieved" in amateur boxing.
Adrian, head coach at Team Leigh for 20 years, said: "Paddy and Will have won three national championships each, but one of the best things about them is that they're both level-headed, pleasant lads who put in the hard work.
"They both have dreams of fighting in the Olympics and going pro, but for now they're happy gaining their experience and teaching the young lads."
While the boxing club aims to train the next generation of boxers out of their Scott Street gym, just off Wigan Road, it is also a community-focused organisation that is inclusive for everyone.
Training between 50 and 60 people a night, both boys and girls come to the gym with a range of different abilities and backgrounds; from those who are getting in trouble at school or getting involved in crime, to those who have additional needs.
"That's how the club was founded", Adrian said, "as a true community club that provides opportunities for young people and helps the community where we can".
With "countless" title-winning boxers and 12 athletes going professional from Team Leigh, it is this community-driven and hard-working ethos that is one of the reasons why the club has been so successful over the years, the head coach believes.
Reflecting on the club's success, Adrian added: "We have a tried and tested progression that has been proven over the years, which is only going to get better now we are getting more coaches on board.
"Success breeds success and with everyone training and pushing each other on, that is how we have made so many winners.
"It is amazing to think that we are regarded as one of the most successful amateur boxing clubs that have come out of a small gym, from a rugby town in Leigh."
With Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham president of the successful boxing club, they are also looking for sponsors from local businesses to ensure the gym is maintained and provided with modern kits, equipment and facilities.
For more information, visit the Leigh Boxing & Fitness gym Facebook page here.
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