We recently went ‘ringside in Rock Ferry’ (article here) as we attended a BBU boxing event courtesy of Mickey Allen and Twelve Quays Boxing. That night we discovered an amazing boxing community, met some really good people and most strikingly we learnt about how boxing had saved people’s lives.
On the night we spoke to a few different boxers who told us similar stories of how boxing has saved their lives and that it has given them something to focus on. Here we explore this in a bit more detail by checking out Twelve Quays and Rocky’s gyms — the places where these people train….
To change your life via training or boxing contact Twelve Quays & Rocky’s on FACEBOOK!
Twelve Quays Boxing Gym….
Twelve Quays Boxing Gym, based on Wheatland Road in Seacombe, is what you’d call a ‘proper gym’. For the last 20 years, coach Mickey Allen has trained some of the finest boxers in the region such as British Featherweight Champion Jamie McKeever. Mickey comes from a big boxing family himself, his grandfather being ‘Jamaican Joe’ who once knocked out Henry Cooper!
With boxing and Thai boxing classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, it has a reputation for discipline, respect and inclusion. No matter who you are or where you’re from, adult or child or male or female, at Twelve Quays you can genuinely change your life for the better and become a legend in your own right.
To change your life via training or boxing contact Twelve Quays & Rocky’s on FACEBOOK!
Rocky’s Gym….
Rocky’s gym, situated on Argyle Street in Birkenhead, has two sides to it — the standard gym with full equipment downstairs and the boxing and Thai boxing gym upstairs. Rocky’s is open 7 days a week and offers a variety of weekly classes — their ethos is that ‘losing lbs doesn’t mean losing £s’ and they’re very affordable, with monthly plans from £23.99.
The boxing gym upstairs has produced some of the best fighters in the region and as with Twelve Quays gym, Mickey Allen and the other coaches teach discipline, respect and inclusivity. The doors are open for anyone who wants to better themselves and it’s a very community based place, with ‘Dad and lad’ days and training for all abilities.
To change your life via training or boxing contact Twelve Quays & Rocky’s on FACEBOOK!
So, how have Twelve Quays & Rocky’s gyms saved lives?
We met with coach Mickey Allen who showed us around the gyms and talked about the work they’re doing. He told us: “At Twelve Quays and Rocky’s, what we’re doing is much more than boxing and training people. It’s bigger than that. We’re taking people off the streets and giving them something to do and focus on.”
He continued: “Everyone is equal in my gyms and we’re all here to support each other. There are people here with bi-polar, ADHD, people who have turned themselves around from drink and drug issues — whatever your background you’re welcome. I put on events and pay the fighters fairly and buy kits for underprivileged kids– it’s all about giving people a chance.”
One boxer told us: “Boxing saved my life. I’ve got ADHD and bi-polar and if it wasn’t for Mickey and training I’d be on the streets getting in trouble. Boxing and training so much means I don’t have any energy left to get into trouble — it’s all taken out in the gym and in the ring. Boxing has taught me self discipline too and training my mind.”
To change your life via training or boxing contact Twelve Quays & Rocky’s on FACEBOOK!
Get involved….
If you or your children want to make a positive change in your life then look no further than Rocky’s gym in Birkenhead and Twelve Quays in Seacombe. What they do there is much bigger than training and boxing — they save lives due to their attitude, ethos, inclusivity and teaching of discipline and respect.
Whether you just want to do weights, circuits or classes or become an amateur (or even pro) boxer, you’ll be made to feel welcome and it’s impossible not to feel inspired and motivated by Mickey and the team. They say every passing moment is an opportunity to change your life — if you’re considering changing yours then get yourself down to Rocky’s or Twelve Quays!
Twelve Quays gym / 27 Weatland Lane, Wallasey, CH44 7ER
Rocky’s gym / 63 Argyle Street, Birkenhead, CH41 6AF
Contact Mickey Allen on 07885290177
To change your life via training or boxing contact Twelve Quays & Rocky’s on FACEBOOK!
