A boxing gym in Abergavenny was left devastated by an early morning fire suspected to have been started deliberately. The fire, which occurred on Friday, September 27, caused significant damage to the Abergavenny Boxing Club, owned by professional boxer Kieran Gething. The fire resulted in the destruction of boxing equipment and personal memorabilia, some of which were beyond repair. Kieran Gething expressed his shock and sadness over the incident, stating that he received a call from a friend informing him about the fire.
Upon arrival at the scene, the fire service was already present and working to extinguish the fire. The club’s equipment, including gloves, headguards, and the boxing ring, suffered irreparable damage. Some equipment like body bags was also affected by smoke damage. The loss of the club has impacted its 30 regular members who now face uncertainties about their training routine. Some members have temporarily shifted to another facility, but the future of the club remains uncertain.
Neighbouring businesses were also affected by the smoke from the fire, compounding the impact of the incident. Gwent Police are currently investigating the matter and are seeking information from the public to identify those responsible for the fire. Kieran Gething, in addition to the club’s equipment, also lost personal professional gear and sentimental items stored at the gym, including autographed memorabilia and career mementoes.
In response to the devastating fire, Kieran Gething has launched a crowdfunding campaign to rebuild and replace the damaged equipment, aiming to restore the club to its former state. The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that the fire was believed to be deliberate, and investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause. Both Gething and the local community are rallying together to support the club’s recovery efforts.
The Abergavenny Boxing Club, established in 2022, holds sentimental value for Gething, who has cherished memories associated with the club. Despite the challenges posed by the fire, the community is coming together to help the club overcome this setback and emerge stronger. The solidarity and support shown towards the club highlight the resilience and spirit of the local community in times of adversity.