Carl Froch, The Cobra, is back in town

HucknallDispatch.co.uk2nd March, 2010

WORLD boxing champion Carl Froch broke into preparations for a big fight with a visit to Bulwell Hall Boxing and Community Fitness Club to open their new home.

The club are now based at the upgraded Totley Close Community Centre after moving from the Swinger pub on nearby Hucknall Lane.

Nottingham boxer Froch, nicknamed The Cobra, will be defending his WBC super-middleweight title against Mikkel Kessler in Herning, Denmark on Saturday April 24.

In what was Froch's second visit to the club in exactly a year, he was given a rousing welcome when he arrived during a training session for young members.

The club were still meeting in the Swinger at the time of Froch's previous visit. He described their new meeting-place as "brilliant" and said it was an excellent example of how space could be maximised.

He added: "A good mix of kids are involved and this is certainly better than them hanging around the streets, possibly getting into mischief. I started in this sort of gym."

Froch said he recognised one young member, 11-year-old Kallum O'Dowd, from his previous visit. He was impressed to hear that Kallum is also a kickboxer.

The centre was saved from demolition as a result of a community campaign led by Bulwell Hall Estate Tenants and Residents Association and local councillors.

Nottingham City Council paid for asbestos to be removed from the building and the club were boosted by generous financial support from businesses.

Head coach Barry O'Dowd, who started the club six years ago, was praised by chairman Robin Robinson as a "marvel" for the way he turned young people's lives around by giving them self-esteem.

"People think boxing is hitting each other but it is a bit more than that," said Mr Robinson. "Those who meet here are like a big family helping each other."

Guests at the opening included city council leader Coun Jon Collins (Lab), Bulwell Labour MP Graham Allen, Bulwell ward councillors Eileen Heppell, Ginny Klein and John Hartshorne, and representatives of the supporting businesses.