Leon Williams competed professionally from 2009 to 2012 and now aims to provide a safe, inspiring space for local young people.
After years working in fitness across Croydon, Leon will launch Team Solid Amateur Boxing Club Ltd at 79-81 South End on July 5.
Leon told Your Local Guardian: “I’ve been working in fitness classes and other establishments in Croydon for over 10 years, but those establishments closed down.
“I thought I need to continue what I enjoy doing – fitness and dealing with young people and helping them tackle trauma with school.
“I’ve always enjoyed the whole process of being a male role model to young boys and girls, and creating a good impact.”
Leon has done extensive work with young people, including his time with a company called Young London, where he mentored many kids, helped them get fit, and supported their overall wellbeing.
He added: “And the opportunity came in which I found the premises that would let me jump into the deep end.
“So, now I’m here, about to open Team Solid Amateur Boxing Club Ltd.”
After going back-and-forth with solicitors in 2024, Leon got the keys to 79-81 South End in September.
Leon described the journey as a “long road” with “a lot of stress” but intends to open up the gym this Saturday (July 5).
Leon promises that the gym will amaze and surprise Croydon residents, and will be unlike any other gym in the borough.
He said: “I want to give people a different experience, because all gyms are pretty much the same.
“I want to give them that wow factor.
“I’ve been watching it come together bit by bit, with the builders, electricians, and plumbers all playing their part in getting the gym ready.
“The next growth will be opening day.”
The gym will provide fitness and boxing classes for the Croydon community.
Boxing is a core part of Leon’s character, and he said: “Boxing played a big part of my life.
“It kept me off the streets while all my friends were gallivanting.
“I was always in a gym, running, staying fit.
“I might’ve mingled with them, but when they were doing what they were doing, I would dip out or go to the gym.
“So avoiding and engaging in fitness kept me away in trouble.
“I’m still into fitness, I never stopped.”
Leon says that his gym will stand out from a regular gym for several reasons.
One of them is that they’re going to have him as a coach, somebody with “so much enthusiasm and passion”.
He added: “This gym is better than every gym in Croydon by far.
“It’s like when you go into an old school house or you go into a newly built flat, the new build is going to look better than an old house.
“I want people to have a great sense of ‘wow, this is our gym’.
“It’s not just about me, it’s about the people, and I want to give them a good feeling and make sure they come back to a place they can call their safe space.”
Leon Williams said his goal is to “Make Croydon Great Again” by providing a fitness experience unlike any other gym in the area.
As a former London ABA Champion and British Boxing Champion, Leon aims to use his boxing expertise support the Croydon community.
He added: “Whether you are a young person lacking confidence, an adult wanting to release stress, or a company looking to boost morale, Solid has got you covered.”
With rising crime and fewer safe spaces for young people, Leon hopes his gym will offer a positive environment where members can “be better than yesterday.”
The gym’s official launch is on Saturday, July 5, with special guest Derek Chisora expected to attend.
