Kubrat Pulev and Tervel Pulev – two great Bulgarian boxers have opened Boxing Academy in Sofia. The brothers have been working on the idea for more than a year without waiting for assistance from the state. They built the centre and invested half a million euro of their money in it. The boxing academy was built on an area of ​​about 1000 square meters and has all the amenities needed for the successful development of athletes. Fans of boxing - one of the most ancient sports, will now be able to practice in a high-quality boxing hall, equipped with two rings. They could also use the gym for a workout or the recovery centre, which is part of the complex.

The boxing academy is open to both children and adults, but children receive special attention and for just 15 euro a month they could practice whenever they want.

"We are doing something good for the people, not for profit. Anyone who wants to practice sports, lose weight, learn something about themselves and improve their skills, is always welcome. If someone cannot afford to pay the price, they are also welcome,” Kubrat Pulev said at a press conference.

"We want to leave a trace behind us and we want our example to guide the adolescents. I think this is the natural course of things – creating good conditions for practice and having followers. We have the experience and knowledge that we want to transfer,” the boxer added.

What is the lower age limit for children who wish to practice boxing? Here's what Tervel Pulev said in an interview for Radio Bulgaria:

“There is no lower age limit for boxing. There are children aged 6 or 9 who go in for boxing. It is hard to tell what the best age is. Children are different and each one of them requires special attention. The job of the coach is to find the necessary approach in accordance to the child’s age.”

Who leads the practices?

“Borislav Boyadzhiev, who is my personal coach and coach of the national team leads the practice sessions. He has two ambitious young helpers. Me and Kubrat also help when we have time. Our goal is to have children’s team in some 5 or 6 years and one of these children to become the best in the national team.”

What is the most important thing that the brothers would like to tell goers to the boxing academy?

“The most important things, whether people aim at high sports achievements or not, are motivation, desire and discipline. These are basic things that are important to every person, whether they want to have a career in sports or not,” Tervel Pulev says.

The Boxing Academy is already full of life but the official opening will be days after the boxing match of Kubrat Pulev against an unknown opponent on October 17 in Karlsruhe, Germany.

English: Alexander Markov