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Boxing stars support Nigel

Bill McLaughlin
19/ 6/2008

SALFORD’S Nigel Travis and his fellow fire fighter Curtis McLardie have seen their knockout idea finally take shape with the opening of a community boxing gym at Moss Side Fire Station.

They have turned an unused storage unit in the Denhill Road fire station yard into a boxing den for local residents.

And a host of top names from the world of boxing came along to the grand opening to show their support for Travis – including Salford fighters Jamie Moore and Steve Foster Junior plus Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and David Haye.

Walkden resident Travis has been a Moss Side-based fire fighter for the past 10 years but boxing has always been a passion for the 35-year-old.

He had an amateur career spanning more than 100 bouts and a short, but interesting, professional career before retiring from the ring last year.

Travis said: "I can’t thank all those who turned up enough. The launch was absolutely manic and to have so many top boxers showing their support can only bode well for the community gym.

"We are affiliated to the Amateur Boxing Association and will be holding sessions for all, including special women’s and kids’ classes."

The Salford man and McLardie, who is a former Thai boxing instructor, talked the Greater Manchester Fire Service into investing £12,000 into the project.

They were delighted that the launch day was such a big hit.

And Travis was particularly grateful to the affable Haye, who made a special trip from Cyprus to support his long-time friend.

Undisputed world cruiserweight champion Haye said: "Nigel is a great bloke and what he and his colleagues are trying to do here is just fantastic."

To contact Travis with regards to the gym call: 07738 128133.