Boxing promoter Frank Maloney visits Bognor gym

During a visit to the new facility in Durban Road, he praised the quality of its facilities and believed it had a wide range of uses for

sports training clubs throughout the area.

Maloney, who managed Lennox Lewis's rise to becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, recently hit the headlines after deciding to stand as a UKIP candidate in Barking, Essex.

"This is a really first-class gym and would not be surprised if it went into the top ten in the country as they have a good team running it who are keen to develop it which is good for the community," said Mr Maloney of the gym, which has two championship-size rings, dozens of punchbags, speed balls and range of weight training machines.

"I believe gyms like this can be used for fitness by young people. I have previously linked up with the Met Police to do some eight week training programmes with kids who have got into trouble. Places like this can really help them."

Mr Maloney, who is based in Chislehurst, Kent, added: "I would definitely be interested in looking at using this as a training camp for some of my fighters and I'm more than happy to offer anyone advice as well."

The sports promoter turned politician reveals he was proud to stand as a candidate for Mayor of London in 2004. But far from taking life easier after a well-publicised heart scare last year, he is most at ease being busy.

His UKIP campaign got off to an eyebrow-raising start in January as he posed with an election poster which managed to incorrectly spell the word Britain.

Maintaining this was done as 'a deliberate mistake' to attract press coverage, he feels at ease being an unlikely politician. But can sport really mix with politics?

"I think it can, people are alright about taking to me when I'm in the streets as we can just chat about sport. The issues most concerning people now are about their jobs, homes, healthcare and education.

"I think there is support out there for UKIP, but it needs people to be brave in making the decision to vote."

Born to Irish parents, the colourful Cockney's career began in the late 70s when he worked with Amir Khan's manager Frank Warren. This was to lead to his association with Lennox Lewis.

"He's a very nice person, though we did have our arguments at times. We were something of a little and large act '“ with him about 6ft 6in and me 5ft 3in."

Manager of VK gym Charlie Martin said there had been plenty of enquiries about its facilities since opening.

He said: "We have some good amateur boxers here who will be getting a step up from the likes of middleweight professional Paul Morby who is going to come down and train. We couldn't ask for more if Frank Maloney is going to use our gym."

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