‘Brendan’s legacy teaches us Black Lives Matter’ - Ingle Gym

Brendan died at the age of 77 after a brain haemorrhage, two years ago.

He left a legacy of multi-cultural unity at his Wincobank, Sheffield gym, with his lifelong philosophy perfectly matching the current BLM message.

Members of a Foundation set up in his name say he would have associated himself with BLM, adding: "If everyone had a touch of Brendan in their lives, the world would be a much better place."

And world title contender Kid Galahad has also put his name behind Brendan's philosophy too.

He said: "The Ingle gym has always been a community gym. It’s never discriminated against race, religion, gender or any other aspect.

"If you’re dedicated and treat others with respect - that is all that matters.

"Brendan instilled a multicultural feel to the gym and it still thrives under the same principles today."

The Newman Road centre delivered world-renowned fighters like Naseem Hamed, Junior Witter, Kell Brook, Herol ‘Bomber’ Graham, Johnny Nelson and Ryan Rhodes, among others.

Foundation spokesman Amer Khan described how the gym first opened its doors in 1964 "to everyone, from all walks of life."

In a statement, Amer said: "Demonstrating unity and celebrating diversity, Brendan’s ongoing legacy teaches us that black lives matter, and always have.

"It’s been two years since his passing but our team strives to pass on his teachings and philosophies.

"In light of the Black Lives Matter protests and tensions across the world, we are seeing so many dividing opinions and shocking things in the media.

"The BLM movement is building up huge momentum and it feels as though the entire world is waking up, talking and listening.

"At the gym and Brendan Ingle Foundation we want to emphasise the strong sense of unity in our community.

"Our coaches were at the forefront of our National Hate Crime Awareness week campaign last year with Hinde House School.

"They delivered an inspiring assembly to the students.

"Now more than ever, in these isolated and turbulent times, we must stand together," said Khan.

"To ensure the young people of our society and generations to come adopt the same compassion that we were lucky enough to experience and see first hand.

"If everyone could have had a touch of Brendan in their lives, the world would be a much better place."

Former world champion and TV pundit Nelson described Ingle as: "Years ahead of his time...a visionary.”