A boxing gym in Abergavenny has been left devastated after a fire, suspected to have been started deliberately, caused significant damage. The fire broke out at Abergavenny Boxing Club in the early hours of Friday, September 27, resulting in the destruction of boxing equipment and personal memorabilia. Kieran Gething, a professional boxer who established the club in 2022, expressed his shock and sadness at the incident. He described receiving a call from a friend informing him of the fire and finding the fire service still working to extinguish it upon arrival. Many pieces of equipment, including gloves, headguards, and the boxing ring, have been damaged, with some beyond repair.
The club, which has 30 regular members, now faces uncertainty as they assess the extent of the damage and plan for the future. Some members will be unable to continue their exercise routines, while efforts are underway to secure alternative arrangements. Police are investigating the incident, and neighbouring businesses have also been affected by the smoke damage. A crowdfunding initiative has been launched by Mr. Gething to help replace damaged equipment and restore the club to its former state.
Personal professional equipment and sentimental items belonging to Mr. Gething, including autographed memorabilia and career trophies, were also stored in the gym and have been impacted by the fire. Gwent Police are seeking information on the suspected deliberate nature of the fire and have urged anyone with relevant details to come forward. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service continues its investigation into the cause of the fire and provided details of the firefighting efforts.
Mr. Gething’s determination to rebuild the gym and revive the club in the face of this adversity is commendable as he rallies support through the crowdfunding campaign. The community has shown solidarity with the club during this challenging time, emphasising the importance of the club’s role in providing a space for fitness and camaraderie. As the investigation progresses, the boxing community and local supporters stand united in their efforts to overcome this setback and restore the vibrancy of the club.