Today’s episode of All Things Business – The Podcast finds Ben and his guests in a boxing ring in the heart of Northampton. James Conway is the founder of ShoeBox gym, and he is joined by two professional boxers he manages, Eithan and Charlie. Eithan James is a former European champion, and Charlie Hamilton is a former national champion. Both are talented sportsmen who are making a name for themselves in the boxing world.
Opening the Shoebox
James shares the strange story of how ShoeBox gym originated when his childhood boxing coach bought a puppy from his wife. Although James boxed as a child, he didn’t keep up the sport and when his own son Kieran begged to start boxing, he was hesitant. Once he relented and let him pick up the gloves, it didn’t take long for James’ passion to reignite.
Their current gym is a converted industrial unit with boxing ring, classroom space and plenty of character, and one they were able to secure with the help of construction company S&D.
Picking up the gloves
The group discuss how much the professional Northampton boxing scene has picked up over the past 5-10 years and the breadth of talent which is being produced there.
Eithan shares how his mischievous childhood antics led him to blowing off steam through boxing pads at primary school. After joining a boxing club, he continued to develop his skills over the years. He has now achieved a Commonwealth gold and is able to pursue boxing full time. His next game is on 21st March.
Charlie is an upstart boxer who has speedily risen through the ranks. He’s been hooked on boxing since watching it at his dad’s house at age 9, and at the age of 20 is now professional level. Charlie says the jump from amateur to pro level has come with a lot of additional pressure, but he loves that he can take his time and consider his moves more when he fights.
A keystone within the boxing community
ShoeBox works with boxers of all ages and abilities, helping to foster young talent and allow professionals to pursue their dream. The team is very tight-knit and like a brotherhood. They work with pro, amateur and recreational boxers and run classes for kids. ShoeBox has also started a boxing academy to help 16-18 year olds to train, learn, and gain essential skills both in and outside of the ring.
Although ShoeBox does amazing work with the local community, James shares how it can often be hard to secure funding and sell tickets. All the coaches are volunteers, and Eithan is only able to box fulltime because S&D provide him a regular salary.
The guests emphasise how valuable support from the business community is to the ShoeBox team and helps boxers continue to do what they love.
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