The Lion Boxing Academy was founded in 1934 by Dicky Pates, who served as its first Chairman. He was succeeded by notable figures including Jarvis Astaire, Vanni Treves CBE, Tony Evans and Alan Parry BEM – who dedicated nearly 50 years to the club, with 25 years as Chairman. Alan was awarded the British Empire Medal in 2012 and the London Youth Gold Medal for his contributions to youth and amateur boxing. The current Chairman, Paul Morant, Alan’s nephew, has been with the Lion for 40 years and took over the role in March 2022.
Originally based at St Monica’s School in Hoxton Square, the club moved to its current location on Pitfield Street in 1961 and became a registered charity in 1963. In 2017, under Alan Parry’s vision, the premises were redeveloped into a state-of-the-art boxing gym to bring the club into the 21st century.
The club, which initially served as a boys’ club offering various sports and activities, began welcoming girls in the 1990s, with a renewed focus on boxing. In January 2024, the club introduced a new crest and rebranded as the Lion Boxing Academy. Its motto, “The Lion Roars,” reflects its long-standing mission to help local youth develop their physical, mental and spiritual capacities, enabling them to grow into mature individuals and active members of society, ultimately improving their quality of life.
The Lion has a long history of producing top-quality boxers who have competed at both amateur and professional levels, proudly wearing the yellow vest. Notable alumni include Lawrence Okolie (Former World Cruiserweight Champion), Francis Ampofo (Former British Flyweight Champion), George Hillyard (Former WBU International Super Middleweight Champion) and many others, including standout amateurs like Dominic Bergonzi, Julian Borg and Zak Farrugia.