A south Wales boxing club said it initially thought the gesture was “fake”
A BOXING club in south Wales has spoken of its shock after receiving unexpected support from social media star and professional boxer Jake Paul.
Members of Cwmavon Hornets ABC were stunned when Paul donated 16 pairs of boxing gloves to the club following the death of its long-time head coach and founder, Nigel Davies.
Davies, who founded the club in 1995, passed away in August 2025 after decades of dedication to grassroots boxing. During his career he helped guide more than 100 national champions and represented Wales at both European and world championship level.
The donation came after former Hornets boxer Ethan Gilbert, who now works with Paul’s media team, told the American fighter about the club and the legacy Davies left behind.
“I thought it was fake”
The gloves, branded with Paul’s Boxing Bullies Foundation, arrived at the club in early February and were met with disbelief.
Gethin Davies, Nigel Davies’ son, admitted the club initially struggled to believe the gesture was genuine.
“There’s been a lot of fake stuff going around with Jake Paul,” he said.
“When I first saw it I thought it was fake. But when I realised it was real I thought, fair play. He didn’t have to do that, did he? We appreciate all the help we get.”
A coach who shaped Welsh boxing
Nigel Davies was widely respected across the sport and had worked with some of the biggest names in British boxing, including Anthony Joshua, Joe Cordina, Fred Evans, Andrew Selby and Sean McGoldrick.
He also coached at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2012 Summer Olympics.
Members of the club described him as “more than a coach”, saying he had been a father or grandfather figure to many young boxers who trained at the gym.
“A full circle moment”
Gilbert said it meant a great deal to return to the club and deliver the gloves after telling Paul about Davies and the role the gym played in his own life.
“It felt like a full circle moment, from being a kid training there to now being in a position to give something back,” he said.
“Everyone was so excited. They kept asking, ‘How does Jake Paul know about our little club?’”
Gilbert later filmed club members using the gloves and sent the video to Paul, who said he was delighted to see the reaction.
According to Gilbert, Paul said: “This is exactly what we’re trying to do with Boxing Bullies.”
Club continues to grow
Following Davies’ death, members and his family also took part in the Richard Burton 10K in October 2025 in his memory, with Paul sending a video message of support that was shared on social media.
Despite the loss of its founder, the club continues to thrive and may soon need larger premises due to increasing membership.
In a message on social media, the club thanked Paul, his team and Gilbert for their support.
“Support like this really does make a difference to our club and our boxers,” the post said.
“These gloves will be put to great use helping our members train, build confidence and enjoy the sport.”
