Meet the Team

Our coaches are the heart of Bolsover Boxing Club. Each one is England Boxing qualified and fully trained in safeguarding, first aid, and DBS-checked but more than that, they’re welcoming, experienced, and here to support every person who walks through our doors, no matter their age or ability.

the team...

A Level 2 qualified coach with an extensive amateur boxing background and over 29 years of coaching experience, Rick leads the club’s Monday, Wednesday, and Friday group fitness classes, and helps run the amateur boxing sessions.

Known for his no-nonsense coaching style and dry sense of humour Rick pushes every individual to get the best out of themselves whether they’re stepping into the ring for the first time or preparing for competition. He often reminds people he’s “always tired” even though he never stops moving and might drop a quote from his favourite 80s films in his sessions.

As an amateur, Gavin boxed for over a decade and reached the ABA national finals that led to a successful move into the professional ranks. He trained under the legendary Brendan Ingle, whose influence still shapes Gavin’s coaching today: movement-based, disciplined, respectful, and open to all. That ethos runs through everything at Bolsover Boxing Club.

Gavin leads the Tuesday and Thursday group sessions, supports the amateur team, and delivers 1-to-1 coaching for everyone from helping experienced boxers looking to sharpen their skills to the average person just looking to get fit.

Most of Gavin’s spare time is spent outside. He enjoys wild swimming, camping, golf, and travelling.

With over 23 years of experience coaching and running boxing clubs, Dennis is a well-known name on the amateur scene it’s rare he walks into a show without being recognised.

He serves as the club’s Treasurer and leads the kids’ sessions, where his calm approach and wealth of experience have helped shape countless young boxers over the years.

Away from boxing, Dennis enjoys time on the golf course and his Saturday morning tradition of reading the racing pages over a cup of tea.

As the club’s resident joker, he’s rarely short of a sarcastic comment especially if it’s aimed at Rick or Gavin but beyond the banter, he plays a key role in supporting the amateur sessions, mentoring boxers, and helping them stay focused and on top of their game.

He’s always got an eye on what the boxers are doing, and he’s not shy about letting them (or the coaches) know when they’re slacking. With sharp observations and perfectly timed wind-ups, Russ makes sure no one gets too comfortable.

When he’s not in the gym causing trouble, you’ll likely find him out on the golf course enjoying a slower pace.

Now an England Boxing Level 1 coach with over two years of experience, Mark focuses primarily on developing the club’s younger members aged 8 to 11 but also works across all age groups including one-to-one sessions with everyone from 3-year-olds to adults. Still actively training and sparring himself, he brings energy, experience, and real passion to every session.

Marks into football, fitness, and boxing. Fun fact, Mark is immune to spice and can eat anything with heat, Carolina Reapers, ghost chillies, you name it. While most people are reaching for a glass of milk, he’s cracking on like it’s nothing.

A qualified Level 1 coach, he plays a key role both in the ring and behind the scenes supporting sessions, assisting with planning and maintenance, and helping keep things running smoothly at the club.

He’s also the club’s main point of contact for all things England Boxing, managing compliance, ensuring boxers are fit to compete, and keeping coaches and boxers aligned with current regulations. Liam acts as a link between the coaching team and amateur boxers, helping monitor progress and support their development. When sparring opportunities come up, he’s often the one heading out with the boxers to other gyms.

On the rare occasion he’s not at the gym, Liam enjoys hiking, travel, music festivals, and Hyrox-style training, which influences his approach to coaching and fitness. His love of adventure once took him to the Amazon rainforest, where he spent three weeks living with locals.

Leah is a qualified ABA Coach and has experience coaching young athletes, having previously earned her Level 1 qualification in athletics. She’s also an active participant in boxing herself, staying involved in training as well as coaching.

Outside of boxing, Leah has competed in both athletics and street dance. She uses that experience to coach sessions that are engaging, supportive, and fun, helping young boxers build skills while enjoying their time in the gym.

You’ll often find Hannah behind the counter, welcoming members, helping nervous newcomers settle in, and cheering on their progress. With a background working in hospital wards and the ambulance service, she also brings a strong foundation in first aid and care to the club.

A big animal lover, especially horses, Hannah values boxing as a way to focus the mind, relieve stress, and stay grounded in the moment.

At the club, Tony supports amateur boxers by helping them sharpen their fundamentals and technical skills. He also works particularly well with mature members of the gym, offering a supportive, no-pressure environment where they can build fitness, confidence, and skill at their own pace.

When it’s time to unwind, Tony swaps pads for putters he’s a keen golfer who enjoys a more relaxed pace when he’s not coaching.

She joined Bolsover Boxing Club in 2020, where the support and encouragement from the team inspired her to take the next step and complete her Level 1 coaching qualification in November 2023.

You’ll still find Becky training regularly at the gym, always working hard and leading by example, both as a coach and as a boxer.

Since joining the club in 2022, Helena has become a central figure in Bolsover’s amateur programme. She’s especially passionate about boxing for wellbeing, resilience, and mental health, and works hard to make sessions inclusive, designed to help boxers develop and grow, and build confidence both in and out of the ring.
Helena is into hiking, trail running, and hanging out with her rescue two greyhounds. Before boxing, Helena had a background in ballet and cheerleading, and even served as a judge at the 2012 Baltic Cheerleading Championships in Latvia.

He assists Denis with the kids’ sessions, helping younger members build their skills, confidence, and love for the sport in a safe and encouraging environment.
Outside the gym, Alan enjoys outdoor swimming and is a keen football fan having played the game himself for many years. He also supports Liverpool.

Meet the Team

the team...

Richard Henson

Gavin down

Denis Down

Russell Collins

Mark Proctor

Liam Thorpe

Leah Proctor

Hannah Piper

Tony Fletcher

Becky Newton

Helena RICHARDS

Alan Holt