Helping young boxing fans to pack a punch

Sep 10 2008 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

IT is a club that continues to breed champions – but also helps boys who have lost their way get back on the straight and narrow.

Based in the Airdrie district of Petersburn, the Four Isles Boxing Club has achieved so much in its 30-year history.

But success isn’t just about watching their members blitz the competition and come away with belts and trophies.

The club wants local youngsters to learn about discipline and respect and assist those who have fallen on hard times.

“First and foremost, we are a boxing club,” says 68-year-old Jimmy Robertson, who has been running the club since it began.

“But it is more than that.

“There have been occasions when I have had grateful parents coming up to me and thanking us for being there when we were – because if we hadn’t, their son wouldn’t be around now.

“Listen, I take as much pleasure helping guys get themselves off the drink and drugs as I do producing a Scottish champion.

“This club has helped some boys turn their lives around.”

Before a blow is landed, all boxers are taught about discipline both in and out of the ring.

Jimmy said: “The first word everyone learns in boxing is discipline – everyone knows the score.

“It’s my job to bring the ones who are a wee bit shy when they come in here out of their shell.

“And for the guys who come in thinking they know it all, we will tame them. It works both ways.”

Originally from Caldercruix, Jimmy ran the Monklands Boxing Club before he launched the Springhill Boxing Club in Shotts.

“I was then approached and asked if I wanted to run a club from here,” he adds.

“A boxing club here in Petersburn is absolutely brilliant. I lived here for 20 years and this was once an urban-aided area.

“When we first started, John Rafferty was with us and he eventually went on to win a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh in 1970 in the light-heavyweight division.

“We probably have around 100 members now but on each training night we normally get between 20 and 30 through the door.

“We give new boys who come along a couple of nights to themselves to see how they go and then we get them really involved.”

Jimmy reserves special praise for Martin Carroll, Gerry Brady, Willie Kane and John Smith, his coaching colleagues who are putting the youngsters through their paces as we chat.

“These guys are all really good,” he says. “Without them, you couldn’t run a club.

“There will come a time when I bow out but these guys will take over. As long as I am alive though, I will help out and stay involved.”

Ultimately, boxing is about winning – making sure you work hard enough to outwit your opponent.

And Jimmy insists the young boxers at Four Isles are prepared to put in the hours so they can earn the taste of victory.

“Success means everything to them,” he adds. “It is such a morale-booster. They are proud of what they achieve.

“The boys who do well inspire the others. They see their club-mates winning and want to be successful as well.”

One talented boxer, 17-year-old Barry Craig, hopes his time at Four Isles can help him compete on the world stage.

“I want to win the British championships at my age group,” Barry says. “And I want to fight for Scotland at the Commonwealth Games when they come to Glasgow.”