Natbridge Boxing club was founded by Martin Benson in 2001 and since then it has successfully nurtured and inspired young people to achieve greatness. Martin aspired to provide affordable and accessible facilities for young people in the area, and as a keen amateur boxer throughout his teenage years he felt that the gym could open up opportunities for those who used it.
The club is Leyland’s only boxing gym and it is proud to have trained young people to become champions. Lindsey Littlewood trained in the gym and coached by Martin, she went on to win the 2007 Amateur Boxing Association Women’s Championship finals in London in the 63kg to 66kg category.
Lindsey is not the only champion who has been introduced to boxing in the gym. Lisa Whiteside attended the gym in 2006 as a complete novice. In 2009 she won the Amateur Boxing Association Women’s Championship finals in the class C category. She is now a four-time England boxing champion and is currently ranked number 3 in the world at 51kg.
The gym has also had a visit from Brian London. Brian fought for the World’s Heavyweight title twice, once against Floyd Patterson in 1959 and then against Mohammed Ali in 1966. Brian retired in 1970.
