Proffesor Marks Boxing Accademy

Jonah · Post by **Jonah** » Thu 26 Jun, 2008 3:31 pm

I went to this boxing accademy in 1959/60 and trained under an instructor called Johnny, I would think he'd be in his 70's or 80's now if he's not been 'counted out' as it were!The proffesor will be long gone I guess but I remember the 'accademy' being down the side of Watson & Cairns in Lower Briggate or you could get to it from The Calls at the other side.The boxing ring was on the top floor and you had to negtiate rickety steps through other floors where the proffesor could be seen applying what I think was physiotherapy using a machine with a large belt around the 'victim' which wobbled the ample stomach like a jelly! Very Charles Dickens!Jonah.

Brandy · Post by **Brandy** » Thu 26 Jun, 2008 3:35 pm

see http://www.secretleeds.com/forum/Messag ... hLight=1we covered this last year,but we couldnt seem to find much about it?this marks bloke sounds like a real character,did any 'famous' boxers go through the ranks there?

Jonah · Post by **Jonah** » Thu 26 Jun, 2008 5:04 pm

Not to my knowledge but I was only 10 at the time.

Samson · Post by **Samson** » Sat 28 Jun, 2008 12:09 am

My father was born in 1907.I seem to remember him telling me about Professor Marks (Marx?) as my father was an amateur boxer. He said (as far as I can remember ) that he talked funny as his nose was flattened by all the punches over the years. My father used to imitate him, but obviously I can not get that over on here.LOLHe also used to threaten me with sending me to Mr Marks's boxing school if I complained of bullies, as he said i was too soft!!! This usually made me cry, just proving of course how soft I really was!!If my memories are correct then the Mr Marks must have been on the go in the late 1920's to early 30's if my father remembered him. I was only very young when I remember this and it could be all so very wrong!!!!

Jonah · Post by **Jonah** » Sat 28 Jun, 2008 1:59 pm

It was 1958 - 1960 when I used to go and he was an elderly chap then.It's funny because my dad sent me there because I was bullied at school!

Samson · Post by **Samson** » Sun 29 Jun, 2008 11:10 pm

I was born in 1951I must have been about 6-8 years when this happened. But I think my father went there or knew him as he used to immitate his 'through the nose' speech! I tried looking on the Internet when it was posted, but could find nothing.