History of Hayes Amateur Boxing Club
Hayes Amateur Boxing Club was formed in 1948. Trainer Dickie Gunn, Arthur Clements, Sidney Dawe, and J Wilkes started the club at Hayes's Townfield School. Interim locations included St Christopher's Approved School and Harlington Scout Hut. In 1978 the club was granted a piece of land by Hillingdon Council at the back of Judge Heath Lane Sports Centre. A concerted effort by club-trainers, boxers and committee-members produced for the club a purpose-built gym. The building of the club was led by Phil Edwards, Joe Moore, and Laurie Martell, to whom the club will always be grateful. In 2006 the land on which the gym was built was sold for development, and, following a campaign, a replacement facility was built to the front of the former Hayes Stadium. In April 2009, the club was opened by John Conteh Light Heavy Weight Champion of the World.
From its formation, the club has produced successful boxers at national competition level. Chris Finnegan represented the pinnacle of our club's success, winning the 1966 Amateur Boxing Association Middleweight title, before going on to win the Olympic Middleweight gold medal in 1968.
In the 2012 as part of the London Olympics celebrations a blue plaque was mounted above the club entrance dedicated to Chris Finnegan’s 1968 Gold Medal win.
Boxers Past and Present
The club has had many champions of the years who are listed below.
Amateur’s Past
National Schools Boy Champion - Terry Blackmore
Young England International & London Senior Finalist - Kenny Mordue
Army Champion and Junior Trainer - Freddie Brown
ABA Champion 1966 & Olympic Gold Medalist 1968 - Chris Finnegan
ABA Champion 1969 - Mickey Piner
National School Boys & Federation of School Boys - Ian Curran
3 Times North West Division & Champion and Senior Trainer - Lance Bantleman
North West Division Finalist - Kevin Finnegan
North West Division Finalist and Senior Trainer - Dave Currivan
National Novice Finalist - Darren McKenna
North West Divsion Team
Trophy 1968-1969
Lance Bantleman
Kenny Mordue
Mickey Piner
Kevin Finnegan
Amateur’s Present
Haringey Gold Cup Winners
Ryan Toms - 2008
Josh Winward - 2009
Elvis Makoda - 2009
Kolenkow - 2009
Don Gudinausks - 2011
Lewis Lye - 2012/2013
Junior Multi National Winner - Jake Callingham - 2013
Professionals
First club professional - Leo Maloney
British Commonwealth Champion & European Champion - Chris Finnegan MBE
British Champion & European Champion - Kevin Finnegan
British Champion - Willy Riley
Scottish Champion - Steve Watt
Southern Area Champion & Boxed for British title - Simon Harris
Southern Area Champion & Boxed for British title - Anthony Campbell
2x Southern Area Champion & Boxed for English title - Ryan Toms