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More on KentOnline
Nine months ago, Johnny Armour was showing a small group of boxers the ropes from a shed in his garden.
But the champion fly-weight fighter is now launching his own gym in Luton, Chatham.
Armour Plated Boxing, at 38 Second Avenue, will officially open on March 7.
Growing up in the neighbourhood, Johnny got in as many fist fights on the streets as he did in the ring.
The ex-bantam and fly-weight world champion was also jailed for 16 months in 2017 for his involvement in a drug conspiracy centred on his home.
However, in recent years he has used his past to inspire the next generation of fighters from falling into the same troubles he did.
He set up his Armour Plating Boxing club in a converted shed on the side of his house near Chatham's White Road estate about four years ago, with the aim of getting kids off the streets and getting into gang-type trouble.
It is now moving to larger premises.
The dad-of four said: "All the members will be coming down and they're all really happy about it.
"It's doing a big thing for the community and helping to get kids off the streets.
"I have so many people asking me when it is opening. We have started bits of training down there already but we are now just waiting for the day.
"Tommy James, who has a building firm, contacted me and helped me to find and clear the site. He has helped me out so much."
H-Langdon Steel Work Fabricators, Tommy James Ltd, BBBFB flooring company from St Mary's Island and businessman Aaron Paul Stone with Stone's charity are some of the companies which helped Johnny build his gym.
The ex-boxer added: "I would like to thank them for all of their support and help starting me off on my new venture.
"I couldn't have done it without the support and the generosity of everyone."
The gym will be able to train upwards of 40 people and Johnny has already taken on two extra boxing coaches to deal with the increasing interest.
If you want to find out more about membership options, call Johnny on 07960 997928.
