AMATEUR boxing could be about to enter a golden age in Manchester.

The success of the city’s talented young professional fighters has had a knock-on effect at grass roots level, with new clubs starting up and existing ones reporting s urge in numbers.

And the sport is set to get another big boost in Hattersley, one of the traditional heartlands for breeding champions.

Thanks to a £60,000 grant spread over three years, Mottram and Hattersley ABC is bringing its gym into the 21st century.

‘‘I don’t think any other boxing club in the north west - and possibly the country - will be able to match our facilities and expertise when it is completed,’’ said club leader Steve Alford, a qualified fitness instructor.

‘‘We have embarked on a community-based project which will open up our gym for everyone’s benefit.

Computer training

‘‘A fitness instructor will be here during the week and there will be an area allocated for a multi-gym, housing cardio-vascular equipment such as treadmills and rowing machines, and a fitness assessment room plus a computer room.

‘‘In future, for instance, instead of going home after dropping their sons off for boxing training, parents will be able to stay at the gym and go on the internet or learn how to use a computer.

‘‘It’s the way forward for boxing clubs to be more integrated in the community.

‘‘But it’s not just about finding the next champions. The facilities, developed in conjunction with Hattersley Development Trust, will be available to all sections of the community.’’

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