“Diabolical” damage caused by flooding and general wear and tear means a gym’s boxing ring is unsafe for use, its head coach says.
Michelle Gardiner of Forest Fighting Fit in Parkend, Gloucestershire, said the ring is at the end of its life after “more than a decade of repairs, patches, and heavy community use”.
A new ring, which the gyms said would allow it to expand its programmes for different ages and abilities, and improve accessibility and safety for disabled participants, will cost £3,500.
Emma Morgan, whose daughter, Lily, 10, has taken part in national and international competitions since starting at Forest Fighting Fit, said the lack of ring is preventing children from progressing.
Gardiner said the ring has no padding around its posts, wobbly boards, and ropes which are not staying tight for very long.
She said Storm Bert, which hit the Forest of Dean in November 2024, “definitely” took its toll on the ring.