Ten year anniversary for Fitzpatrick’s gym

Derek Fitzpatrick with multi-titled pro champion Jess Barry

THERE’S a notable boxing birthday in Leamington Spa, with the town’s Fitzpatrick’s gym notching-up its 10th anniversary this month.

In that time, the fighters who wear Fitzpatrick huntsman tartan in the ring have enjoyed notable successes.

Nick Leahy gave the gym a national title and Haringey gold, Leah Gunton was a national runner-up, Joe Horrocks a semi-finalist.

Isabel Madden and Sean Leahy struck silver at Haringey.

Add to the list a bagful of Midlands titles, include the fact current pro English featherweight champ Jess Barry and tough Lewis Howells were based at the gym and you have an impressive roll of honour.

Founder Derek Fitzpatrick stressed the club is about much more than silverware, however. He said: “Not every success story has to be a champion. The gym has helped lots of kids over the years through all the things that boxing does. Mental and physical wellbeing is all part and parcel of amateur gyms.

“Seeing a kid don the green tartan shorts and vest for the first time is amazing. For some, it is their world title fight and a lifelong memory.”

Some of the squad at the 10-year-old Leamington fight factory

The gym became pro-am in 2021 with the help of Birmingham manager Jon Pegg. Barry has already collected three professional titles and is flying. Howells gave Fitzpatrick’s exposure on major televised shows.

Sadly, Nick Leahy’s pro journey was cruelly ended by injury after only one contest. Nick is still very much a part of Fitzpatrick’s.

Derek Fitzpatrick said: “Through the club, I’ve made so many friends in boxing.  I have been the only ever-present coach over the years, but I’ve been helped by so many other gyms - all the coaches at Bulkington, Joe Donnelly at Willenhall, the lads at Christ the King, to name just a few.

“A special mention must go to Ollie O’Neill, former coach of Royal Leamington Spa ABC who helped me through some tough times and is still on hand for advice when needed.

Nick Leahy signs pro forms with Jon Pegg. He gave gym a national title

“Without Anthony Bermingham there would be no gym. We may be in a so-called individual sport, but nobody won anything on there on their own - it’s a team effort.”

Derek added: “Currently the gym is in a very healthy position, with a fantastic crop of junior and senior boxers.

“That’s quite funny because when we started, people didn’t think we’d last a month. I’m OK with that because, in all honesty, neither did I.”