Spare space in the house is normally used up for a study or a games room but a Medway sporting hero has done things a bit differerently – he’s built a boxing gym.

Former world champion Johnny Armour is passing on his talents to a group of aspiring boxers – from the comfort of his own terraced house.

Armour, 44, won the bantamweight world title three times between 2000 and 2002 and had now set up his own fight club.

The gym at his home in Chatham is the base for a group of Medway men who are training hard in preparation for a forthcoming show in Sittingbourne.
They will be fighting under the Armour Plated banner.

The event on May 4 will see brothers Glenn and Brian Sanders, Jack Draper, Mark Buckland and former Senegalese amateur star Matar Sambou compete.
Buckland, who got into boxing after seeing his friend Adam Dingsdale progress into the professional ranks, is looking forward to his debut.

“It’s great to be working alongside a former world champion and he has so much advice to offer,” said the 31-year-old. “Learning from him gives you so much confidence.

“Johnny’s got bags and weights at his house and we then go out to other gyms to do our sparring. For the last six months, it’s just been non-stop.
“It’s too late for me to turn pro, like Adam has but it’s a great sport to be involved in. There wasn’t much boxing in Hoo but recently loads of us have got involved.”

Leon Hann is also a member but is unavailable for the Sittingbourne show, at Swallows Leisure Centre. For tickets, which are priced from £30 to £50, and more details contact 07979 751431.