Britain’s oldest amateur boxing club will officially reopen after a rescue package from Matchroom has saved it from permanent closure.
Having been shut since July due to Health & Safety issues, the renowned Lynn AC in the city will be returned to the local community later this month, thanks to a substantial contribution from The Matchroom Charitable Foundation.
Work has already begun to bring about significant enhancements. This includes a full makeover with brand new screed flooring, ensuring that hundreds of up-and-coming amateur fighters can resume training and benefit from the gym’s resources.
Lynn AC has been the core of South London’s thriving boxing scene since its establishment in 1892. It’s also the place where reigning IBF World Super-Bantamweight Champion Ellie Scotney discovered boxing.
Notable names in British boxing like Adam Booth, Mickey Cantwell, Danny Williams, Richard Riakporhe, Chris Okoh, Derek Angol, Chris Kongo, Daniel Dubois, Henry Akinwande, and Wayne Alexander are part of the club’s rich legacy. The club has weathered numerous storms over its existence – one of which was an air raid on its building during World War II.
While Lynn AC has operated on its own funds since the 1800s, Matchroom is now stepping in with a critical rescue package. This ensures that future talents can inscribe their names into its storied past.
Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn recently dropped by Lynn AC, joined by Scotney and DAZN commentator Mike Costello, to get a firsthand look at the progress of the renovations.
Hearn remarked, “The legacy here is profound, and we’re thrilled to offer the needed monetary aid to rescue the Club, opening doors for countless amateur contenders. Clubs like Lynn AC form the essence of their neighborhoods. The sport wouldn’t stand without such foundational establishments. This is why, with assistance from The Matchroom Charitable Foundation, we’re allocating crucial resources to give upcoming stars an ideal beginning in boxing. Our contributions will span the UK and even further, with numerous intriguing initiatives on the horizon.”
World Champion Scotney took a break from gearing up for her initial title defense on September 30 at the OVO Arena Wembley against Laura Soledad Griffa, which will be broadcast globally on DAZN, to visit her originating club.
She expressed, “Walking into this club at 9 was a pivotal moment. Its significance to me and countless others is immeasurable. Returning as a World Champion and collaborating with Matchroom to inaugurate it for the coming generations is genuinely heartwarming.”
Mike Costello, DAZN’s primary boxing commentator, began his boxing journey with Lynn AC. He once held the position of Head Coach and expressed his joy over Matchroom’s intervention.
He shared, “This Club felt like an extended family and has significantly shaped my life. I devoted nearly two decades here, both as a fighter and mentor, forging bonds that persist.”
Upon finalizing the necessary upgrades, Lynn AC’s grand reopening is scheduled for September 28. For more specifics, kindly reach out to the Matchroom PR & Communications division.