The magazine of the art-form of the photo-essay
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July 2015 back issue
by Damian Bird
This photo-essay (shot on 15th May 2015 in London’s East End), covers the 25th year of competition between
London’s legendary Repton Boxing club and The Dockers ABC based in Belfast, NI.The event developed out of a life
long friendship between Repton’s Tony Burns’ MBE and The Docker’s Paddy Fitzsimons who met and boxed each
other as young men and then went on to be the chief trainers of their respective clubs.
Repton Boxing Club is located in Bethnal Green in London’s East End. The Boxing Club grew out of Repton Boys Club,
which was established in 1884 by Repton Public School as a way of giving support and encouragement to the
young men in one of England’s poorest communities. The club has proved successful both nationally and
internationally, from schoolboy level to Olympic Gold and World Champion with boxers such as: John H Stracey,
Maurice Hope, Olympians Micky Carter, Billy Taylor, Dave Odwell, Graham Moughton, Gary Barker, Sylvester Mitte,
Audley Harrison and Tony Cesay to name a few.
Over the years the club has been home to over 500 champions and has gained the title of the “Strongest Boxing Club
in the UK and Europe”.
Dockers ABC has been in existence for over 25 years and draws its membership from the nearby New Lodge/Antrim
Road and Tigers Bay/ Shore Road areas. It has operated successfully throughout the worst years of the troubles and
regularly participates and hosts transnational competitions at all levels.
