ABA London - Club Profile

Romford is one of the youngest clubs in London. It was formed by current head coach Paul Claydon three years ago when Claydon, who had been coaching at Essex club Chalvedon, decided he wanted to run a club of his own.

Starting the club from scratch was not easy for Claydon, who had to fund the venture himself. Positioned between old London clubs Alma and Five Star, finding boxers for his club can't have been easy, but through ads in local news- papers, posters and dogged persistence Claydon was able to get boxers through the door and begin a club that has become popular amongst London clubs.

What makes Romford unique from other young clubs around the country is that not only has every boxer who's boxed for the club never had bouts for another club but no boxer has actually left for another club (a trend that is sadly quite common in the modern game). This fact seems a true testiment to the unity of Romfords boxers and Claydon, a unity that was formed when the first boxers walked throught the clubs doors in 2005.

The club prides itself on being honest and up-front. And as Paul Claydon will often remind you - 'From Romford to Afghanistan we swerve no man'.
And they don't.

Monday:
Closed

Tuesday:
18:00 - 19:00 Nursery Class
19:00 - 20:00 Juniors
19:30 - 21:00 Seniors & Open

Wednesday:
Closed

Thursday:
18:00 - 19:00 Nursery Class
19:00 - 20:00 Juniors
19:30 - 21:00 Seniors & Open

Friday:
Closed

PLEASE NOTE : The last Tuesday in every calander month we train on the Wednesday instead. Times remain the same as on Tuesday.

	Paul Claydon
	ROLE: Head Coach

	Did you box: Yes, I boxed at Senior level. Like most trainers I'm a better coach then boxer. When & why did you start coaching: It was never my plan to get into coaching but after I helped a lad out at Chavedon (Essex) I got hooked. I was there for about 5 years before I decided to start this club. Worst aspect of being a coach: I don't care about robbery because that would suggest that all I care about is the result. What I care about is my lads getting experiance, learning & boxing boys who are their standard. Thats what this sport is all about. I can't be botherd with all this padding of records. I do worry when I take a boy out for the first time. But when you stop worrying its time to quit.		Best aspect of being a coach: Getting a boxer their first win. They'll have that for the rest of their life. What makes your club/boxers stand out from other clubs: We're honest to deal with, don't take liberties, there's no premadonas and we treat all our boxers the same. Oh, and off course - from Romford to Afghanistan we swerve no man. What kind of boxing do you teach: All boxers are different but we work on weaknesses just as much as we work on their strengths. I do tend to prefer a boxer with a better defence then attack... means you don't worry as much. Has Amatuer Boxing improved: Wouldn't really like to say. There are a lot of moaners these days.

	Joe 'the cake' Marchant
	DOB: July 1990

	When did you start boxing: On and off for a while. Properly - 2005 Titles won: None yet What boxer are you like: I change every month. Still trying to find my style. I like Joe Murray, he's not you average modern flashy boxer, he just puts a lot of effor in and has a really impressive workrate. Why Did You Start Boxing: It's in my family. My brother boxed for Alma but he's 28 now and stopped a while back. If we boxed I rekon I would of come out on top (laughs). Don't think he'll like me saying that. Toughest Bout So Far: I don't really want to say.		Best memory in boxing: Going to Denmark last season with the lads and boxing in the multinational tournament. We're a new club and we all started here. I feel like we where starting Romford ABCs history. Worst memory in boxing: I think any time I have given an embarressing performance. I always feel like I've let the club and coaches down. What you most like about your club: The fact that we all started together. We've all helped eachother along the way and we've grown together as boxers. Ambitions in Boxing: I don't a specific ambition. I just want to keep on giving it my all and see where it takes me.

	jamie ferrier
	DOB: March 1994

	When did you start boxing: 2006 Titles won: Hvidovre Box Cup (Denmark) Gold What boxer are you like: I dunno who I'm like. I watched alot of the Olympics and I liked the way Degale stood back and picked off his oppon-ents. I'm a bit more of a straight puncher, kind of old school in style Why Did You Start Boxing: All my family boxed. My brother & dad boxed for Alma. I went there for a year but didn't get a bout, so I came here. Worst memory in boxing: Had the towel thrown in my 3rd fight. I just didn't show up on the night.

	michael 'scravenger' cline
	DOB: March 1991

	When did you start boxing: 2005, when the club started Titles won: Junior London ABA Finalist. I hope to get a lot further this season. What boxer are you like: I don't watch boxing, except maybe Khan. I just do my own thing, develop my own style Why Did You Start Boxing: Saw an advert in a local newspaper when the club was just starting. Me and my brother gave it a go and I got hooked. My brother didn't, he came here for a few months then gave up. He didn't have the determination Worst memory in boxing: Don't have one		Best memory in boxing: Going to Denmark amd facing the European silver medalist. I didn't win but I held my own. It was just my luck to go to Denmark and face one of their best. Toughest Bout So Far: Maybe the Danish kid or maybe the Junior ABAs against George Langley (Repton). He was tall and I gave him far too much respect in the first round or two. What you most like about your club: I like the coaches and the size of the club. It's small in a good way. Paul and the other coaches make me laugh Ambitions in Boxing: To win the Junior ABAs and to just carry on enjoying the sport.