OUR STORY

Deptford Boxing Gym was founded by John Dang, who was born and raised in Deptford. This gym is a celebration of John’s roots—his passion has brought him full circle, back to where it all began.

John first discovered boxing at the age of 14 and has been in love with the sport ever since. He became an accomplished amateur boxer, representing several boxing clubs across southeast London. Most notably, he secured a gold medal at the renowned Haringey Box Cup tournament. His passion also extended to Muay Thai, where he picked up the sport quickly and had three professional Muay Thai fights at the O2 in London.

Recognising that his true calling lay in coaching, John retired from competitive fighting in 2016 to dedicate himself fully to guiding others on their boxing and Muay Thai journeys. Over the years, he has coached a wide range of individuals—from professional fighters to everyday people seeking purpose and transformation through these disciplines.

During the challenging lockdown periods, John and his partner, Laura, innovatively introduced virtual boxing classes via Zoom, creating a thriving online fitness community. As restrictions eased, these sessions transitioned seamlessly into outdoor training at Deptford Park, which continued to flourish. The community quickly grew to include more than 70 members.

The next exciting phase was securing a permanent indoor space. With the opening of Deptford Boxing Gym, John’s vision comes to life—a space that combines the authenticity of a traditional boxing gym with elite training standards accessible to everyone.

Join us at Deptford Boxing Gym and experience how boxing can transform your body, mindset, and life.