A long-standing Inverness boxing club has announced it is closing its doors.
Inverness City Boxing Club have been in the Highland capital for decades, led by head coach Laurie Redfern.
Laurie Redfern has announced the closure of Inverness City Boxing Club. Picture: Callum Mackay
They have produced a vast number of champions over the years, including 78-year-old Redfern’s daughter Laura.
Current professional boxer Adian Williamson also came through the ranks at the club, and still trains there after becoming Commonwealth and Scottish super-lightweight champion this past June.
However, they have confirmed on social media that they will cease operations with Redfern set to join up with Jabspar, which was created in October 2024 by former professional boxer Jasper Chisholm.
Jabspar was originally designed to offer fitness classes for children, but due to its popularity it expanded into adult classes earlier this year with the intention of becoming licensed to enter athletes into competitions by the end of 2025.
Now, it appears as though they have their wish by amalgamating with the established Inverness City crew.
A post on the Inverness City Amateur Boxing Club Facebook reads: “Well this is a status I’ve not looked forward to writing, but at nearly 78 it’s now time – I’m sad to announce that this is the closure of Inverness City Boxing Club.
“After 30-plus years, a number of champions including three elite Scottish champions in one set of championships and a Commonwealth medalist to name a few, it’s time to call it a day.
“Inverness City Boxing Club is the root of all boxing in the Highlands and I am very proud to have been part of it and watch it grow from a couple of guys, with a couple of sets of gloves in the Cameron Youth Centre.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank every single person who has been part of the club over the years – friend or foe – and everyone who has helped along the way. It’s certainly been a hell of a journey!
“It is the end of an era, but as they say when one door closes another one opens, and I am not disappearing from the boxing scene completely.
“Myself and the boxers I have will be joining Jabspar with Jasper Chisholm and Callum Turnbull, two very well-educated coaches with experience to match.
“I am very much looking forward and grateful to being involved with all at Jabspar, and of course i will still be in Adian Williamson’s corner and excited for his future in boxing.
“For now from Inverness City, it is curtains closed. Thank you, yours in sport, Laurie Redfern.”
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