Hastings Boxer Delivers Knock Out Training For The Town
LUCY BROWN
Former professional boxer Paul Huggins puts his successes down to his home town of Hastings. Born and bred here, he says that the town and his loyal supporters “fuelled his fire to go on and achieve”.
And achieve he did. Spotted as a ‘natural’ at the age of nine by a trainer at the then existing gym on Whitefriars Hill, Paul rose through the ranks culminating in a famous bout with Barry McGuigan, losing only, as he says, to a controversial decision.
Now Paul wants to ignite that same fuel in other young people in Hastings.
Holding boxing training sessions at Trojan Gym on Ivy House Lane is Paul’s way of giving back. Only running for a few weeks so far, the classes are proving popular and already talent in the members is beginning to shine through. And, understandably, gym co-owners and experienced coaches Karl and Zak are delighted to have someone of Paul’s calibre on board.
Held on a Monday and Friday evening from 5.30pm until 7.30pm and costing £5 for under 14’s and £6 for over 14’s, the training is accessible, not to mention how rare it is to boast such an experienced trainer.
Paul’s life has been extraordinary both in and out of professional boxing. Documented in his book Knocking Out My Demons, he has fallen from the highest of heights to the lowest of lows, but it is these incredible experiences that mean he is able to relate to anyone from any circumstance. Other than his professional boxing skills, he can offer a listening ear and be a true mentor to the young members of the club.
There are simply too many stories to tell here, but the discipline of boxing as a child is what initially kept Paul on the straight and narrow. As a young adult he became professional and was ranked UK number one, and ultimately world class. His trainer believed he’d go all the way. But Paul’s demons returned and after retiring from boxing at the age of 29, he became involved in crime leading
to a prison sentence.
Yet even in this darkest of times something extraordinary was to happen. While confined in a cell he discovered Christianity. From there he became a missionary, published a magazine for ten years and now his return to boxing to share his talent with the youth of Hastings completes the circle.
Paul says, “Boxing is a leveller. It teaches manners and discipline and self-control. Boxing isn’t for bullies. It’s a noble art of pugilism that breeds gentlemen. It teaches respect.
“Hastings fans made me what I am – a world class boxer. I want to put that back in to the sport and the town and let the kids have that opportunity.”
He plans for the club to get affiliation with the ABA and join the competitive circuit. His ultimate hope: “Maybe one day one of my students will bring home the Lonsdale Belt – the one that got away.”
Paul’s book Knocking Out My Demons can be purchased online
Boxing classes Monday and Friday 5.30pm to 7.30pm, contact Paul directly on 07751 629651 trojangym.co.uk
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