Published on 1st February 2026

Horsham Boxing Club’s new women-only sessions on Sunday mornings have proved an immediate success. 

After attracting a dozen people to the first training session on 4 January, the group is now running close to capacity at the amateur boxing club’s base in Horsham Park. Run by Level 2 amateur boxing coach Libby Baker, the sessions provide a safe environment for strength, cardio and fitness training, as well as boxing skills and drills. Libby joined the amateur boxing club 10 years ago and has gone on to represent Horsham in nine competitive bouts. She credits the club with boosting her confidence in every aspect of life.

Libby said: ‘When I first attended a training night at the age of 16, I was nervous, as there were no other girls there. John Essex (Head Coach) told me to grab a skipping rope and that was it. Other members gave me support and immediately made me feel welcome. Like the experienced boxers, I did some pad work with John and wasn’t made to feel like a beginner. I instantly felt at home. We’ve had several talented girls come through the club since then, including Peyton-Marie Jeffery (known as Red) who also trains regularly with the men.

‘However, I appreciate that many women wouldn’t have the confidence to walk into a boxing gym, so with the Sunday sessions, I wanted to provide a safe, friendly group that appeals to women looking for fun and fitness. By introducing them to boxing gradually, perhaps one or two might eventually develop the confidence to join a regular club session too, or potentially step into the ring one day. 

‘John and (son) Danny Essex have taught me everything I know about coaching. I have studied their methods and try to emulate them on the pads, during drills and in exercises, always maintaining high levels of energy. I have also taken additional courses in areas such as physical training and nutrition, which help me when it comes to leading sessions. The women-only group is proving even more popular than I had hoped for, with people returning week after week. The girls have only known each other for a short time, but they’re laughing and socialising and there’s a really good atmosphere.’

GREAT COACHING

The sessions offer a similar workout to a regular club session, with warm-up and conditioning, bodyweight exercises, footwork and defence drills, pad work with trainers and heavy bag punching too. The flexibility of the pay-as-you-go sessions suits those with busy lives too, such as Lucy Maskell. 

Lucy said: ‘My husband, Peter, has been training with Horsham Boxing Club twice a week since 2011. Although he never had the desire to box in the ring, the fitness elements have been great for his health and wellbeing. I enjoy fitness activities such as Pilates, and have tried Boxercise in the past, but had never previously been tempted to join a session at a boxing club. However, when I heard about the women-only sessions, it gave me the confidence to try it. 

‘I was a little nervous at first, but immediately felt comfortable as the sessions attract all kinds of women. The energy is incredible too. I’ve been in fitness classes where you find yourself staring up at the clock, but the hour flies by here! Libby is a great coach, as it doesn’t matter if you don’t punch as well as others, of if your movement isn’t perfect; she gives you the encouragement you need.’

Georgia Pritchley has more boxing experience, training during the week as well as at the women-only session. Previously, she followed in the footsteps of her famous uncle Ray Wilkins by playing football, joining Fulham and Chelsea and also playing for England Under-21s, before taking an interest in boxing. 

Georgia said: ‘My dad is an East-Ender and has always loved boxing, so I’ve inherited his passion for the sport. When I first attended a Horsham training session, Libby was there and her support was important to me. Without her, I would probably have felt quite intimidated, being surrounded by men, but she made me feel comfortable. Since then, I’ve found boxing is great for my fitness. It also helps to relieve stress and if you’ve had an argument with your partner, you can let it all out! Boxing is a highly technical sport too and the movement of the hands and feet is hard to master. I find that the discipline it demands really helps to focus the mind.’ 

BRIGHT FUTURE

Libby credits Horsham Boxing Club in helping her transform from a shy teenager to a confident person, in and out of the ring. She has enjoyed competing at various times during a decade with the club, and reached the quarter finals of a national competition when aged 18, where she lost out to the eventual winner. In recent years, injuries and travelling have limited boxing opportunities, but having returned to full fitness, she hopes to represent the club once again later this year, while continuing to run the Sunday morning sessions. 

Horsham hosts fight nights at the Drill Hall, usually twice a year, with its boxers taking on those from other amateur clubs. Some of Horsham’s contenders also travel to similar events hosted elsewhere to give them more experience, while leading prospects, such as Marco Fatehnia, compete in regional and national competitions too. His success – and that of others – owes much to the commitment of John Essex and his son, Danny. 

Libby said: ‘John has so much love for the club and is a legend to everyone involved in Horsham boxing. Even after 40 years, he is still here nearly every day, keeping the club moving forward. We’ve enjoyed great success in recent years, especially with Marco and Red, who both won medals at the Nationals last year. Others have boxed for England, and we now have 28 carded (registered to spar and compete) boxers, with another 17 who are close to that level. So, the future of the club looks bright.’ 

One problem the club has is that the building it occupies is very small. It was once used as public toilets and space inside is at a premium. Plans for an extension have been delayed and soaring construction costs have made the challenge of fundraising even more difficult. However, John – who continues to fight cancer – believes it will eventually happen. 

John said: ‘I first brought Danny along to Horsham ABC when he was eight years old and the club has been a huge part of both our lives ever since. I have great memories of him winning the IPA title, as well as success by other great boxers we’ve produced, such as Simon Hopkins, who also turned professional. When we started out, we barely had space for the ring, as we only occupied what had been the gents’ toilets. It was only when we expanded into the ladies’ that we had more space for training! This was achieved with the help of the late Bob Morris of Roundstone Caravans, who served as Chairman for many years. We’ve had to make improvements and maintain it over time, especially the roof, but have managed to keep the building safe and dry.

‘The club has changed too, serving more people in the community. On Tuesday evenings, we welcome a group with Parkinson’s, and we offer coaching to children as young as five, which Danny introduced. I must admit I was dubious at first, but the response from children and parents has been excellent. Danny is quite strict and emphasises the importance of youngsters representing the club in the right way. Many parents have said that boxing has had a positive impact on their child’s discipline, and in other aspects of their lives too.  

‘We also support those who want to compete. This is perhaps the most expensive aspect of the club, as it costs a lot to support boxers when they travel to championship events around the country. You must do these things though, otherwise the club isn’t functioning the way it should. If someone has a chance to win a title, you have to help any way you can.  

‘My only disappointment has been the failure to complete the extension. We do so much in the community, but imagine how much we could do with more space. We were granted planning permission to extend three years ago, but by the time we had agreed the terms of our lease with the Council, the planning window was almost closed. Our preferred builder was committed elsewhere, and the delays have put us back to square one. The Council had also agreed to contribute significantly to the extension costs, but the time frame for this support has elapsed, while construction costs have risen. 

‘We are still in talks, but there’s a feeling that we haven’t been treated fairly by the Council. We’ve been responsible for maintenance of the building for a long time and now to be told that we may not receive any funding is frustrating. I was hoping I would see the extension built. However, I know Dan, Libby and others will make it happen one day and take the club to the next level. 

‘When I was diagnosed with cancer, I had to pack up pad work and other aspects of coaching. Danny stepped up and works like a dynamo. That used to be me in the ring, so I know how tiring it is, working with 16 boxers on the pads in a single session. It’s exhausting! He has done an unbelievable job and that does give me personal satisfaction and pride, as I’ve trained him since he was a boy. Now, he has taken over and has earned the respect of everyone at the club.’  

WORDS: Ben Morris / PHOTOS: Alan Wright 

Further information: Women-only pay-as-you-go sessions are held every Sunday, 9 – 10am, at Horhsam Boxing Club, next to the North Parade Car Park, Horsham, RH12 2BH. www.horshamboxingclub.co.uk