Boxing club in plans for return to Sandwell

An historic boxing club that was forced to relocate from its Sandwell base more than a decade ago is to return to the borough after striking a deal with a rugby club.

Warley Amateur Boxing Club had to leave its base at Warley Health and Fitness Centre in Bearwood, in 2000 and moved to Edgbaston.

But bosses have announced they are now planning to make the former squash buildings at Warley Rugby Club their new home.

Head coach John Nash said: "We didn't want to move back then, but we had to, and we found this base on Portland Road.

"It has been good for us, and we have done well here, but we have always been looking to move back to Warley."

The 75-year-old boxing club, which has produced the likes of former British and European featherweight boxing champion Pat Cowdell, has been in talks with Warley Rugby Club for a number of months.

The club has now applied to Sandwell Council for planning permission for the move.

Mr Nash said: "Once we have permission we should be able to get everything signed, so we can start work on the building."

Mr Nash said bosses planned to install a mezzanine floor in the Tat Bank Road building to create extra space for storage and training areas. They also want to extend the building to give space for a running and skipping area, as well as the ring and weights area.

Mr Nash, 62, added: "This will benefit both the boxing and the rugby club, because those who use the rugby club will be able to use the space and the equipment as well."

The club also hopes by moving back to Warley and by creating their own space designed for their own needs they can encourage more youngsters into the club.

Anyone interested can call Mr Nash on 07976 599917.

By Naomi Dunning