Apollo

At the age of 18, I first walked through the heavy metal door of the Apollo Amateur Boxing Club in Barton, Torquay. Like many others there I was missing something in my life and desperately needed some stability. The building was basic, there was no heating and when it rained the roof leaked, still it had a charm and safety that warms me to this day. Like many young people who take up the sport, I had big dreams. I idolised Muhammed Ali and had the lofty goal of becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. I was fascinated by the history of boxing, the noble art as it’s known. It transcended the sport, for example, the fight between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling in 1938 symbolised the battle between democracy and the fascism of the Nazis and the impact Ali had on the civil rights movement was immeasurable. Mentors at the club positively influenced my life and have been a considerable support to countless others who trained there. I've maintained a connection to the club for 25 years both as a competitor, but also through the lens of a camera. The purpose of this project has been to preserve a legacy and is a testament to the influence that the boxing club has had on the lives of those involved. Over the past year I have reconnected with those associated with the club by capturing a set of environmental portraits. Boxing is often and brash and bloody but scratch the surface and there exists a community and fraternity that extends far beyond the confines of a boxing ring