Fighters at the first session at the Invicta Amateur Boxing Club’s new home at the Sea Cadets Hall, Hampton

by Chris Price

Invicta Amateur Boxing Club has found a new home, nearly a year after it had to leave its old training facility.

The first session at the Sea Cadets Hall in Hampton on Monday saw 10 fighters practicing the art of pugilism.

Organisers are calling for the council to make more funding available to boxing clubs.

The club will run every weeknight from 5pm to 7pm – all are welcome.

Before its temporary closure, it had about 90 people training with them and carded 25 fighters.

Back from left, Invicta Boxing Club's Mickael Seymour, 19, Josh Seymour, 17, Roy Lyons, 27 and, front, Jamie Condon, 24

They had used a room above the Tivoli Amusements on Central Parade but left after a dispute over payment of business rates.

The club aims to run sessions for seven to 11-year-olds, 11 to 18-year-olds, seniors and ladies.

Organiser and head trainer Michael Seymour, right, said: “We have been going out to four or five different schools a week to teach children – other boxing clubs do not do half that.

“Canterbury Amateur Boxing Club got £10,000 last year but Herne Bay seems to be the only town in Kent where we don’t get grants.

“We have turned people’s lives around. Lots of boys have gone to the army or university because of the discipline they have learned from this boxing club.

“Boxing builds a common ground where people get respect for each other.

“There is lots of money for roller hockey and gymnastics but we need more for boxing.”

Commenting on the venue, boxer Mickael Seymour, 19, who is Michael’s son, said: “With all the chopping and changing we have had, this place looks promising and stable. “I train six times a week and to have somewhere fixed to work out helps me get to the level I want to be.

“It is also a brilliant location. I can imagine us going for runs on the seafront in the summer and then going for a dip before coming back to train.”