Most Armoury members enjoy Boxing and Physical Training classes as a means to get into great shape. Some enjoy controlled sparring, whilst other more adventurous types want to push the envelope and prove themselves in a ‘White Collar’ bout. For those men and women who want to go even further we offer amateur boxing and the opportunity to compete against boxers from other clubs in organised amateur boxing competitions.

Boxing is the original martial art. It’s been around forever, was a recognized Olympic sport in ancient Greece, thrived under the Romans and continued in various forms throughout Europe until ‘prize fighting’ became the vogue in 18th century England. One of the first heavyweight champions, Jack Broughton, drew up a set of rules for bare-knuckle boxing which were officially was beckoned in under the Marquis of Queensberry rules. Amateur boxing became an Olympic sport again in 1908. In recent years boxing has undergone a dramatic resurgence and, in 2012, women’s boxing will feature for the first time as an Olympic sport.

The Armoury Boxing Club is an officially registered Amateur Boxing Club and our amateur boxers compete in the ‘Olympic’ style. Amateur boxing bouts are typically of three, three minute rounds and boxers wear head, groin and mouth guards. Bouts are won by scoring the most points based on number of clean punches landed – a points system which favours stylish boxing over physical power and knock-outs.

Contact the gym for details of amateur (Skills & Sparring) classes.





South Africa has a proud history of professional boxing with SA boxers having held over 50 world titles since 1927. Famous fighters include Vic Towel (who holds the world record for the most knock downs in any title fight), Brian Mitchell, “Baby Jake” Matlala, Dingaan Thobela “The Rose of Soweto” and the renowned heavyweights Gerry Coetzee and Corrie Sanders.

Cape Town has a particularly venerable heritage of professional boxing. Prize fighting was introduced to the Cape by British troops in the late 18th century though it remained a pretty rough, brutal affair until late in the 19th century. That began to change however, under ‘Professor’ James Couper, a middle class Scot who opened a boxing gym in Plein Street around 1881. Couper, a soft spoken gentleman who mixed with the cream of society, has been called the father of boxing in SA because of the way that his father of boxing in SA because of the way that his personality and prowess in the ring helped popularise the sport. The Armoury’s ‘old and bold’ cadre of white collar boxers should also note that it was in Cape Town that the great Jem Mace had his last bout in 1904, at the ripe old age of 73! Jem Mace was the heavyweight champion of England when he became the first famous prize fighter to make the switch to gloves. He is remembered for having travelled the world to promote the Queensberry rules.

The Armoury considers itself fortunate to have accomplished, ranked, professional boxers amongst its coaching team. You’ll see them doing their own training in the gym and can join their enthusiastic club supporters when we go to watch their local fights. The gym’s excellent facilities are often used by visiting pros and it is always a treat to watch their sparring sessions.