An Epsom family man who has spent his life in and around the boxing ring is setting up a family boxing club with a focus on core values.

Surrey Comet:

L-R: Pip Smith, 22, Chris Gauntlett, 49, and Chloe Gauntlett, 22, advertise the new Gauntlett Boxing Club opening in Epsom this Saturday

Chris Gauntlett, 49, from Eastman Way, Epsom, is opening the new Gauntlett Boxing Club at The Harrier Centre in Poole Road, Epsom on Saturday, January 9.

Former World Middleweight Champion Alan Minter and his son Ross, a former English and British Welterweight Champion will be the special guests at the grand opening.

Mr Gauntlett fought between the ages of 16 and 29 - and for a time represented Epsom and Ewell Boxing Club - before earning his coaching badges.

Now, he wants to pass on what he feels are crucial values - discipline, clean, healthy living, and most importantly, respect - to aspiring boxers from all backgrounds.

He said: "It is for anyone and for all ages. There are no barriers at all here.

"I learnt through my mistakes and I’ve seen what works, and what doesn’t.

"Sometimes when you have got a seven-foot heavyweight boxer and a frail old lady, they can feel uncomfortable and intimidated.

"We want to take away that intimidating feel that you can get with a boxing gym."

The building, advertising and running of the gym has been a real family effort by the Gauntletts.

Chris’ father Norman, 72, helped his son renovate the former football changing rooms at the Harrier Centre.

His daughter Chloe, 22, helped her dad advertise the club in Epsom marketplace before Christmas. And his son Joe, 16, is keen to help with training at the gym.

Gauntlett Boxing Club opens its doors from 10am on Saturday.

For more information, visit www.gauntlettboxing.co.uk