By Tim Parsons-
Boxing heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, OBE has given substantial financial backing to the Amateur National boxing federations of England, Wales and Scotland.
The unspecified sum will be distributed directly to clubs in most need of support through the National federations, with an agreement in place that all funding is ring-fenced for the clubs only.
The good gesture comes as Joshua has been placed on no 2 under the Ring Magazine’s heavyweight rankings – just under WBC champion Tyson Fury. However, the well loved British star has gone ahead of Deontay Wilder after knocking out Kubrat Pulev, 39, to close out a frustrating 2020. Wilder dropped a position after being dominated and stopped by Tyson Fury last February.
Amateur boxing has been severely hit by the pandemic, disrupting the ambitions of unpaid boxers who have been unable to pursue their boxing dreams for most of this year, and face an uncertain and disheartening 2021, with the annual ABA’s likely to be scrapped again next year.
Joshua himself was an ABA champion before winning Olympic gold in the 2012 London Olympic games. The londoner now holds four belts and is going for a unified world heavyweight title against Tyson Fury next summer.
Many amateur gyms have been forced to shut through the lockdown and there are fears some could be forced to close for good unless more assistance is forthcoming.
The financial support is in an effort to help support the sport that gave him so much, survive the toughest period in its history. Amateur clubs up and down the country have been forced to close their doors during the pandemic with little hope on the horizon.
The sport has given me a lot and I want to help highlight the issues effecting grass roots clubs and do what I can to keep the lights on for those most in need.
Joshua has also contributed to his own Amateur gym Finchley ABC and gift new training kit. A gift which will also be extended to the regional federations with one of Anthony’s major partners, Under Armour, offering to match Anthony’s financial offer in products.
On the announcement Anthony Joshua OBE said: “Boxing helped shaped me, both physically and mentally. It is no secret that without boxing and the family created around my amateur gym, my life could have been very different. The sport has given me a lot and I want to help highlight the issues effecting grass roots clubs and do what I can to keep the lights on for those most in need.
Facilitate
“I would like to thank the Federations of England, Wales and Scotland for their support in helping facilitate how the financial aid reaches the most effected clubs in their regions and also agreeing to make sure the money goes directly to clubs.
I am not using this as an opportunity to criticise government for its lack of funding towards boxing, these are unprecedented times, however I would like to use my platform to respectfully ask them to rethink their stance. Without support we will lose community hubs and potentially the stars of tomorrow.”
Gethin Jenkins, Chairman of England Boxing said: “We are delighted to receive and we thank Anthony for this much needed financial support and for drawing attention to the role and support the clubs offer in their local communities and with it the need for greater government support to grass root boxing clubs.
“This is all the more so, given that 40% of our clubs operate in the highest 20% of marginalised areas in the country. We will announce how clubs can access this funding in the coming days and we know it will be gratefully received by the membership so thanks once again for this vital support.”
Grateful
Colin Metson Chief Executive of Welsh Boxing said: “We are extremely grateful to Mr Joshua for his generosity in supporting Welsh Boxing and our affiliated clubs. Our clubs have suffered significantly during the year, with the restrictions caused by the pandemic causing extensive disruption and loss of gym time, plus the inability to run club shows which generates vital income for the clubs.
“The news of Mr Joshua’s support will be a welcome tonic to our clubs at a time of real need, particularly those clubs in more socially deprived areas. On behalf of all at Welsh Boxing, we would like to say a huge thank you to Anthony Joshua and his team.”
Image:Matchroomboxing.com