Auchengeich ABC - Amateur Boxing Scotland

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Auchengeich ABC
On Thursday 20 th September 2012 Auchengeich ABC took part in the new
ABS feature Club Focus. The Club Focus feature has been designed as a
regular feature for the ABS website, which will give everyone an insight into
the various clubs around the country, where they came from, some
background on the club, who is involved and how they operate. The visit also
doubles up as an opportunity to take the clubs through a development
questionnaire and highlight any areas where they might require assistance
from Amateur Boxing Scotland. I met with Auchengeich ABC Head Coach,
Joe Martin to go through the development questionnaire before taking one of
the club coaches and a boxer through the Club Focus Questionnaire’s.
What’s your name and what is your role within the club?
Joe Martin – Head Coach.
Where did the club get its name from?
From the Auchengeich Colliery in Moodiesburn, boxing has always been part of the
Miner’s lifestyle and tradition.
Who founded the club and when?
Ricky Kiernan in 1974.
What was your first introduction to boxing?
My Dad, Karl Martin helped found the club, he brought me along when I was
thirteen and I went on to compete for the club for ten years.
How long have you been involved with the club and with amateur boxing?
I’ve been involved with the club since 1978 and have been involved with amateur
boxing on and off since then as well.
How did you first get into coaching?
Through the founder Ricky Kiernan, who was retiring from the boxing scene. He
asked for some help with the club, I offered and here I am running the club today.
What do you enjoy most about being a coach?
Training the kids, seeing them progress as boxers, but also develop as people with
self-confidence, skills, fitness and discipline. It is great to see them step into the
competitive ring for the first time and represent the club.

What would you be doing if you weren’t a boxing coach?
I’d put more focus on my business and would probably play more golf.
How many registered boxers does the club currently have?
We have fifteen registered boxers just now.
Is that number up or down from last season and why?
That is up, as we have a new premises, which offers not only more space but more
scope to add in extra sessions for different age groups and different levels of
ability.
How can the club increase the number of registered boxers?
Our numbers seem to be increasing all the time, since we moved to this new
premises.
What would you say your club does really well?
We encourage mutual respect and discipline throughout the club. We also take the
boxers on regular trips and spend a lot of time with them during sessions.
Is there anything you think the club could do better?
We would love to own or provide a minibus for them to take them on more trips to
other clubs for sparring or to visit different parts of the country.
What advice would you give to someone looking to open a new club?
You need to be prepared to give up some of your personal/family time and you
should be willing to give the club your full commitment and dedication.
What would you say is the most important factor for running a successful
club?
Good relationships within the club. We have great camaraderie at this club and are
a very close-knit group.
What is the most challenging part about being a coach and/or running a
boxing club
Time commitments and funding to get and keep the place up to date.
Do you currently have any champions at the club at District, Scottish, GB or
other level?
Yes, we have Steven Knox, who is the Western District, Scottish and GB
Champion. We have Jack Crawford who is a GB silver medallist. We also have 5
current Western District Champions at the club.
Have any of the Club’s Boxers/former Boxers ever competed at a major
international event?
Brian Carr boxed for Great Britain at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Steven Knox
and Jack Crawford have also boxed in the GB’s and several Home Internationals.

Can you recall one of your proudest/happiest moments as a coach?
There are loads to be honest, but one that really stands out was seeing Steven
Knox win the GB Schoolboys was a great moment.
Who is your favourite boxer of all time and why?
There are two really. One is Sugar Ray Leonard – The condition he kept himself in
when in or out of the ring was commendable, even as he got older. He had
unbelievable skills, great power and speed, everything a boxer could want or would
need to be great. The other is Barry McGuigan – for his skills, ability and heart. He
was a great all rounder and would have boxed anyone anywhere.
Club Focus interview with a Auchengeich ABC registered boxer
What’s your name and how old are you?
Steven Knox – I’m fourteen years old.
How did you first get into boxing?
I used to enjoy watching boxing with my Dad. At nine I was a bit overweight and
decided to try it out. I obviously enjoyed it and have been boxing since.
How long have you been boxing?
Around five years.
How many contests have you had?
I’ve had thirty-five contests
How many times have you represented Scotland and who against?
Around seven times against England, Wales and Ireland
Have you ever attended ABS Squad training and where was it held?
Yes, I attend the ABS Squad training at the Forgewood ABC Gym every weekend.
Would you say boxing has had a positive impact on your life and why?
Yes, it gave me something to do, helped me lose weight, has improved my
confidence, keeps me fit and keeps me focused.

What do you enjoy most about being a boxer?
I enjoy competing and it is nice being recognised from being in the local papers
and things.
What is the worst/hardest thing about being a boxer?
Keeping my weight down.
What would you be doing if you weren’t a boxer?
Probably sitting around getting fat, as I did before I came to boxing.
What do you see yourself doing in five/ten year’s time?
I would love to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games and/or the
Olympics.
Who is your favourite boxer of all time and why?
Manny Pacquiao – He is very professional, is always in great shape, as boxing is
his life. He boxed his way out of poverty and look at him now.
If you could be any athlete in the world, ever, who would you want to be and
why?
Manny Pacquiao, because of his achievements, despite coming from a poor family
with a hard upbringing, he has excelled in the sport of boxing.
Thank you to Joe Martin and Steven Knox of Auchengeich ABC for taking
part in the ABS Club Focus feature.