The 50-year story
Nearly 50 years ago only 100 yards from the Derker centre, after a schoolyard altercation as a school pupil I was ordered to don the gloves and box my fellow fighting pupil for three rounds within four school benches to resolve the dispute.
Mr Derek Heywood, the school's PE teacher, whose role it was to enforce school policy on fighting and bullying and who was a great teacher and disciplinarian, made all the students resolve issues this way with a shaking of hands at the finish and noble end to the matter.
Anyone with a boxing potential was directed to the local boxing club to further channel their energies and continue the disciplinary pathway — that was my introduction to the sport! Kelvyn Travis, Olympic Coach
Click here to read more about the story of Oldham boxing on the centre website