New equipment for Titans Gym gives youngsters fighting chance

Please note: This post was written by Highlander prior to their rebrand to FluidOne Business IT - Sheffield.

We’re proud of our Yorkshire roots and love working with those in our local area, and that goodwill isn’t only extended to our customers. We’ve always been committed to giving something back to our local community and do whatever we can to help support several charities close to our hearts.

So when we were presented with the opportunity to join a number of other Sheffield-based businesses in supporting the city’s own Titans Boxing Gym, we were more than happy to oblige, especially once we learned a little more about the incredible work they are doing within their own community.

Founded by John ‘Fireball’ Fewkes (affectionately known as ‘Fewky’) and highly-regarded promoter Dennis Hobson in 2016, Titans Boxing gym, situated in South East Sheffield, offers a wide range of boxing-based fitness classes and individual sessions for participants of all ages and abilities.

A former professional boxer in his own right, ‘Fewky’ has been involved in the boxing game for over two decades. Having ended his own career in 2014, he’s since turned his hand to coaching and has previously enjoyed a spell working with former welterweight world champion Kell Brook.

As one of British boxings most recognised promoters, Dennis Hobson needs little introduction to keen boxing fans and has played a key role throughout the careers of household names such as Ricky Hatton and David Haye.

Although the pair have both been involved at the highest level, Titans Gym presents an opportunity to channel their passion in a different way, providing children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds with the chance to sample a new sport and enjoy the benefits of a supportive environment.

But as well as unearthing new talent, the real value lies in helping to keep these youngsters away from some of the more negative influences that surround them, teaching the value of hard work, dedication and discipline as well as respect for others. There’s even an emphasis on the importance of education, with the gym regularly in contact with local schools to ensure aspiring boxers are staying on top of their schoolwork as well as putting the time in to their training.

After hearing about the positive work Titan’s does within the local community, we were keen to do whatever we could to help and were more than happy to make a donation towards the purchase of new equipment including gloves, boxing boots and training gear for some of the youngsters who regularly train at the centre.

It was humbling to witness these up and coming boxers receive the new equipment and to hear more about the challenges they face every day, as well as the positive impact Titans is making on their lives. We also saw first-hand how much value is placed on actions away from the gym, with one girl in particular encouraged to improve her performance at school to earn the new equipment we’d donated, something I’m pleased to report has now been handed over as a result of her efforts.

It was also a stark reminder of how fortunate we are, with one young lad who was unable to afford the bus fare home, choosing instead to run or walk the 8.7-mile journey, so much was the value he placed on his attendance and the support he receives from John and his team.

We’re delighted to have made our contribution, and hope that everyone at Titans can continue the good work for the benefit of the community, as well as hopefully unearthing some future world champions along the way!

As a thank you for our donation, ‘Fewky’ and Titans Gym recently opened the doors for us as part of a shoot for our new company video, very kindly allowing us to film some of their top talent being put through their paces.

We captured some amazing footage, and although the video isn’t available just yet, we’re excited to see the end results. But for now, watch this space . . . .