A former British and European kickboxing champion has officially opened a new boxing and fitness gym in Oldbury, aiming to inspire and transform the lives of both young people and adults in the community.
Wayne Evans inaugurated Evans Boxing and Fitness on Dudley Road, Oldbury, on August 30, in the presence of former Midlands, English, and European professional boxing champion Tyler Denny and High Sheriff Award winner Shaz Saleem. The opening ceremony was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting and highlighted Evans’ long-standing commitment to mentoring young athletes.
Evans, who began coaching at Priory Park Amateur Boxing Club in Dudley over 22 years ago, has since become a respected figure in the West Midlands boxing community. As a former West Midlands ABA Champion and fully accredited ABA England coach, he has spent decades training athletes at all levels, helping them develop not just sporting skills but discipline, confidence, and life purpose.
“I started transforming lives through sport 22 years ago at Priory Park ABC in 2003,” Evans said. “I have seen first-hand the positive impact the sport has on young people—children who lacked confidence and came from broken homes. Deep down, these were good kids, but they were swayed onto the wrong path.”
Evans explained that boxing teaches respect, self-belief, confidence, and mental toughness, offering pathways for personal growth and achievement. Many of his students have gone on to win ABA titles, pursue trades, or start their own businesses.
“The sport has also transformed adults’ lives too,” Evans added. “Just recently, a client who was a borderline alcoholic and drug user is now competing at Hydrox events nationwide after being sober for five years. This is the power of having sports coaches or mentors in your community. Coaching is never just about the sport—it’s a complete physical and mental mindset transformation.”
Tyler Denny, who joined Evans for the ribbon-cutting, shared his admiration for the gym’s mission: “I was really honoured when Wayne asked me to be part of his new boxing gym opening. It means a lot to me, as I know the positive impact this sport can have on kids’ lives.”
High Sheriff Award winner Shaz Saleem also praised Evans’ dedication: “Boxing is such an amazing sport. Many youngsters need a purpose and a positive role model. Wayne is that role model who will better the lives of our youngsters. Many congratulations to Wayne and his amazing team!”
Evans Boxing and Fitness offers classes from 5pm to 9pm and provides personal training throughout the day. Evans emphasized that his goal is not only to create champions in the ring but also to steer young people away from streets and crime, instill life skills, and promote healthier lifestyles for adults.
“My goals are to create champions, teach values, and keep kids off the streets where knife crime is rife,” Evans said. “I also aim to help adults live healthier and happier lives through fitness.”
The new gym represents Evans’ ongoing mission to use sport as a vehicle for personal growth, community engagement, and positive change, cementing his reputation as a coach committed to developing both the body and the mind.
