Next generation of English superstars to pass through huge new Sheffield boxing gym
Sheffield set for second major national boxing facility
A huge Sheffield warehouse is set to become the new base for the next generation of English boxing superstars.
England Boxing is in talks to take over a building near the M1 which was until recently a distribution centre run by the clothing retailer River Island, near Meadowhall, which would make the city the base for a second national boxing facility.
It would be in addition the GB Boxing base at the English Institute of Sport in the city.
Depending on planning permission, work on the scheme is expected to start in the Autumn, ahead of a proposed opening late this year or early in 2027. It would provide a modern training and working environment for more than 250 boxers, coaches and staff say officials.
England Boxing hopes to convert the warehouse into a gym and boxing venue that would be used by some of the best young fighters in the country, as well as members of the England team for Commonwealth Games tournaments.
At present, England Boxing share an office with GB Boxing, who look after the elite fighters and the Olympic team.
But historically, England Boxing has not had its own gym. Now they hope to change that by moving the office to a new venue.
UK Sport is contributing to the cost, and Sheffield City Council and Sport England are understood to be supportive of the scheme.
The facility will play a key role in supporting the development of England Boxing’s next generation of talent through the organisation’s Performance Pathway programme, while also becoming a hub for community initiatives which are already delivered across the country.
Chris Connelly, England Boxing’s head of performance, said: “The new centre represents a major step forward for the sport and will help strengthen boxing at every level, from grassroots participation through to Olympic and professional success.
“As an organisation with a history stretching back almost 150 years, England Boxing has long been a pioneer within World Boxing. Having our own dedicated performance centre is something we see as vital for the future of the sport and for the continued development of the extraordinary talent emerging from our fantastic clubs across the country.
“This will be a world-leading facility that strengthens the pathway from grassroots boxing through to Olympic and professional success, helping us support athletes and coaches with the very best environment to perform, develop and succeed on the international stage.”
It is hoped the new facility will help nurture future city talent, with the likes of Kell Brook, Naseem Hamed, Johnny Nelson and Clinton Woods all performing at the highest level and Dalton Smith the latest to come off the city’s production line to keep Sheffield’s rich boxing legacy alive.
England Boxing’s chief executive, Jerome Pels, added: “Sheffield has always held a special place in the history of boxing, so it feels fitting for England Boxing to continue its journey in the Steel City.
“Over the years, we have worked across a number of venues and facilities, all of which have played an important role in our story, but this new centre gives us the opportunity to bring our athletes, coaches, staff and wider boxing community together under one roof in a world-leading environment purpose-built to support the future growth and success of the sport.
“Just as importantly, we are passionate about ensuring the centre is accessible and welcoming to everyone involved in England Boxing. While it will play a key role in our high-performance programmes, it will also be a hub for the wider boxing community – supporting local initiatives, engaging young people and creating opportunities for more people to experience everything our sport can offer.”