Darrel Church on life after boxing teaching children

Darrel Church, who owns Church Boxing in Maldon, retired from the sport more than four years ago.

Since retiring he has given so much time to up-and-coming boxers and teaching children and young adults. 

He now dedicates his time, seven days a week, to up-and-coming junior boxers in the area.

Mr Church said: “Teaching children and young adults in the classroom gives me great satisfaction.

"I was the kid that was getting sent out of the classrooms, suspended, kicked out of my GCSEs to now teaching in schools.

Mentor - Darrel's work is brilliant and he is having a truly positive impact on people (Image: Credited)

“I can just relate so much to kids that I am a friend to them not an enemy, so this is where I have such a great relationship with them.”

Darrel says boxing is important for discipline and work ethic, and enjoys showing children these values through sport.

He also said he makes sure young people are able to express themselves.

In the ring - Former boxer Darrel had great success in his career (Image: Credited)

Darrel also explained how he had no direction or support until he walked into a boxing gym.

He said: "The main values I get into the children is how important it is to have a dream and have goals in life”.

Mr Church saw a successful career, winning titles such as England National Boxing Champion, as well as other medals won in Sweden, Denmark and Portugal.

On his retirement, Mr Church said it was "initially very hard".

"It took me nearly three years to finally say, I’m not coming back," he said.

“I have always toyed with the idea as you always have that fighter in you, but my focus is on others now and we have a great amount of up-and-coming boxers who are winning around the world.

“My enjoyment for helping others is far higher than the enjoyment when I boxed, I just love what I do.”