Sandy Row Boxing Club

Huge congratulations to Garyn McAllister on bringing home a Commonwealth Games Bronze medal for his country, Northern Ireland! 🥊

While today’s result wasn't the color he dreamed of, Garyn showed the kind of heart and grit that defines Sandy Row. He left everything out there and represented us beautifully on the world stage.
Moments like this remind us exactly what we miss most about our gym—giving young people the space to chase big dreams and represent their country. Garyn now stands as the third athlete from our gym to make it to the Commonwealth Games, carrying on a proud legacy.

Garyn, you are an absolute legend. The entire Sandy Row community is standing tall and incredibly proud of you.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4v7

Garyn goes again! 🥊

Having already secured bronze, our very own Garyn McAllister is on the hunt for more as he fights for his country, Northern Ireland, in the Commonwealth Games Men's 90kg semifinals in Glasgow tomorrow.

To say we are proud would be an understatement. He is a shining example of dedication, but more than that, he’s a true inspiration to our entire community. This is the only opportunity that boxers from Northern Ireland have to represent their own country, and Garyn has taken it in his stride.

​Garyn, the whole gym is cheering you on. Tune in to TNT Sports 2 tomorrow at 4:30 PM to watch him shine. Bring it home, champ!

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" 2 Timothy 4v7

Huge congratulations to Garyn McAllister!

Representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Garyn just dominated his quarter-final bout to guarantee himself a medal! 🏅 ​He’s now heading into the 90kg semi-finals this Friday. The entire Sandy Row community is incredibly proud of you, Garyn, we are with you every step of the way!

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4v7

🥊 FROM SANDY ROW TO THE COMMONWEALTH STAGE! 🥊

The entire Sandy Row Boxing Gym family wants to wish the absolute best of luck to Garyn McAllister as he steps into the ring tomorrow for the Men’s 90kg Quarter-Finals, representing Northern Ireland at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow!

Garyn first walked through our doors as an eager 8-year-old boy. Since day one, he and his dad have been the absolute definition of dedication—putting in the rounds, showing up day after day, and proving what hard work looks like.

To see him get the opportunity to represent his country, Northern Ireland, on the world stage is an incredible achievement. Garyn, we are tremendously proud of everything you’ve achieved, the whole of Sandy Row is behind you!

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4v7

Some iconic memories! The Sandy Row Boxing Club had the absolute privilege of travelling to Portsmouth and staying onboard HMS Bristol, permanently berthed as a training ship at the HMS Nelson Royal Navy base.

For a bit of history, HMS Bristol was a unique Type 82 destroyer—the only one of her class ever built for the Royal Navy. She played a vital role in British naval history, most notably sailing south in 1982 to serve in the Falklands War, where she helped secure victory by providing crucial anti-aircraft defence and command support to the task force. To top it all off, the boys got to take a tour around the legendary HMS Victory—Lord Nelson's famous flagship at the Historic Dockyard.

Make sure to scroll through and enjoy some great photos from the trip below🛳️🛟⚓️ 🥊

Folks, as we have been closed for over a year now, we want to reminisce on an unsung hero of the Sandy Row Boxing Club Family: Big Gary.

We wanted to take a minute to recognize an absolute legend and a true gentleman who left a massive mark on Sandy Row Boxing Club. If you’ve been around the club, you already know exactly who we’re talking about.

Gary originally came over from Scotland, and instantly immersed himself into the club. He played a tremendous part in raising money for charity through our white-collar shows. He stepped right into the ring, put the work in, and raised crucial funds. But he didn’t stop there. Gary is the definition of a genuine guy, someone who volunteered for Childline and just loves doing good for others.

Even though work eventually took him back to the mainland, Gary never forgot about Sandy Row, and we definitely haven't forgotten about him. He stays in constant touch and regularly donated to the club.

In fact, we’ll never forget about his 50th birthday. Instead of asking for presents, Gary told all his friends to donate to the boxing club instead. He raised a massive, considerable sum and handed it right over to the club.

On another occasion, two of our boxers were fighting at an event held on behalf of the armed forces in a town hall in Bolton. Gary heard about this and made the long journey to come and support our boxers. Just as the fights started, Gary appeared and showed our lads great vocal support, helping them both to come away with two good wins!

That’s just the kind of man Big Gary is. If there was ever a young lad coming through our doors who couldn't afford boxing boots or gloves, Gary bought them. No questions asked. He just wanted to see the kids in the area get a fair shout.

We don’t have a photo of him to post (he’s too modest for that anyway!), but we all know the big heart behind the name.

Gary, we miss you mate. Thank you for everything you’ve done for Sandy Row Boxing Club. You are one of a kind!

Some classic club moments captured at home and afar. The club is privileged to have such a global presence. Feel free to comment where you are supporting from today! 🌍🥊

One of the most meaningful pieces of the Sandy Row Boxing Club: The Gary Whittley Championship Boxing Belt.

This stunning piece was created in memory of Gary Whittley, a devoted club member who was tragically killed in 2005. To honour his legacy, the belt is awarded every year on his anniversary to a boxer who has demonstrated exceptional passion, grit, and growth in the ring. It is truly a masterpiece and a fitting tribute to a young man who meant so much to this club.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" 2 Timothy 4:7

Take a quiet moment to step back in time with these rare glimpses into the heart of Sandy Row Boxing Club 🥊 📸

Have a look through and let the memories come back, please share your thoughts and stories below.

Happy Saturday folks! Another special snapshot from the Club's early era for you to enjoy. A special visit from the late Rev Martin Smyth, Ulster Unionist MP for South Belfast. We were delighted to welcome Martin to our Presentation of Awards night, a celebration of all the hard-work and dedication shown by each of our club members 🥊