Gym needs replacement for 'diabolical' boxing ring

"Diabolical" damage caused by flooding and general wear and tear means a gym's boxing ring is unsafe for use, its head coach says.

Michelle Gardiner of Forest Fighting Fit in Parkend, Gloucestershire, said the ring is at the end of its life after "more than a decade of repairs, patches, and heavy community use".

A new ring, which the gyms said would allow it to expand its programmes for different ages and abilities, and improve accessibility and safety for disabled participants, will cost £3,500.

Emma Morgan, whose daughter, Lily, 10, has taken part in national and international competitions since starting at Forest Fighting Fit, said the lack of ring is preventing children from progressing.

Gardiner said the ring has no padding around its posts, wobbly boards, and ropes which are not staying tight for very long.

She said Storm Bert, which hit the Forest of Dean in November 2024, "definitely" took its toll on the ring.

"We've had two flooding issues in the gym, both of them have been around the ring as well," Gardiner said.

"It is elevated but I think a lot of the damp's got into it."

After Forest Fighting Fit "had no luck" applying for grants, Gardiner said a crowdfunder has been set up, for which local company Suntory Beverage and Food in Coleford is matching all donations.

Morgan, who is a trustee of the gym, said Lily was "holding onto her leg" when she took her to the gym for the first time aged four, but is now competing in kickboxing competitions in front of thousands of people.

"She's won the WKO [World Kickboxing Organisation] World Championship Gold, she's done two Grand Prix, the European," Morgan said.

But, without the ring, she said other children are unable to progress from kickboxing to boxing.

"[A new ring] would bring their confidence up; it's all about confidence," Morgan said.

"It's a really good team atmosphere when we're all there."

People from a wide range of age groups train at Forest Fighting Fit, which recently achieved charity status, with the youngest being four and the eldest 69, Gardiner said.

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