A new study commissioned by Keen Fighter has ranked Bedford in the top five places to take up boxing in the country, with just Chippenham, Bridgwater, Durham and Truro ahead of us on a list of hundreds of town and cities across the UK.
The list has been created based on the number of boxing gyms per capita with Bedford boasting 26 boxing gyms and with a population of 106,000, a total ‘Boxing Clubs per Capita’ of 2.43.
This is 180 places above London, who have 0.13 boxing gyms per capita and Cardiff with just 0.07.
“You don’t pick up boxing just like that”
While Bedford can boast some of the nation’s big names in the world of boxing, such as the Bedford Bear, Matt Skelton, the study looked at the cultural and social impacts of having a large number of boxing gyms and looked at why certain areas had a large presence.
Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Velin Dragoev led the study, wanting to find out more as to how boxing can reach undervalued and underrepresented communities.
Speaking exclusively to Bedford Independent, Dragoev said he was surprised with the results.
“Being a martial artist myself, what initially prompted me to make this study was the fact that most of England’s top boxers weren’t born in London.
“I wondered what sort of social and cultural factors influenced them to pick up the sport, because you don’t pick up boxing just like that.
“So, I set out to find which English city has the most enthusiastic boxing culture. And the results surprised me so much that I just felt compelled to share them!”
“It didn’t surprise me to see Bedford punching above its weight in this league table”, said Josh Anderson of JA Fitness Studio and JD Promotions.
“We have a rich history when it comes to boxing and a very active grassroots community.
“At JA Fitness Studio we value local talent and work hard to develop our upcoming fighters. We support Kempston fighter, Michael Stephenson – who recently became Midlands Champion – with his strength and conditioning.
“We have also launched a £5k and £10k boxing tournament that champions local fighters and puts Bedford on the map – giving our community the opportunity to truly shine.”
“It gets them off the streets”
Michael himself credits boxing with improving the social landscape in Bedford.
“I started boxing at a youth club in my estate, but never took it massively seriously until I was about 20.
“For youngsters, it gets them off the street and gives them something to focus on. Boxing is a great way to teach you self discipline and self confidence.
“It can teach you to control your anger and work on your self image. The benefits of boxing are huge and I would encourage anyone to take it up, regardless of gender, body shape or situation.”
Stephenson’s next title bout is coming up this Summer, but there are plenty of opportunities for anyone to get involved in the sport, with a plethora of boxing gyms dotted around the Borough.
