AMATEUR BOXING IN SCOTLAND TO BENEFIT AS HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP JOSHUA GIVES SUPPORT TO COVID-HIT GRASSROOTS
Two-time champion and London Olympics gold-medallist makes ‘substantial’ donation via Boxing Scotland to help clubs across the amateur game survive amid ongoing pandemic.
Heavyweight champion and former Olympic gold medallist Anthony Joshua OBE has given his support to amateur boxing in Scotland as part of a ‘substantial’ financial package to help grassroots clubs survive amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The donation will be distributed via the amateur boxing associations in Scotland, England and Wales and is ring-fenced for those clubs in the greatest need of support as restrictions tighten across the United Kingdom.
A kit donation will also be offered to Boxing Scotland via Joshua’s sponsors, Under Armour.
Joshua’s gesture is in recognition of the importance his amateur career played in his rise to become two-time world heavyweight champion. He has been saddened by the plight of amateur and community boxing clubs across the country: with many forced to close their doors, depriving amateur boxers of the mental and physical health benefits of participating in the sport and denying clubs much-needed income.
He has also taken the opportunity to financially contribute to his own amateur gym, Finchley Amateur Boxing Club.
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 affecting grassroots clubs and do what I can to keep the lights on to those most in need.
“I would like to thank the English, Welsh and Scottish ABAs 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 would like to use my platform to show that without support we will lose community hubs and potentially the stars of tomorrow.”
Kevin Bell, Boxing Scotland Chairman: “On behalf of Boxing Scotland, I would like to thank Anthony and his team for the offer of financial assistance to clubs that will be of great support to the amateur boxing community in this country.
“It is to Anthony’s great credit that he recognises the impact of COVID-19 on amateur boxing, from loss of training among boxers to the inability to host shows that sustain clubs financially. It is also the hallmark of a true world and Olympic champion that he has proactively sought to help amateur boxing – which he acknowledges played a significant role in his career – during this ongoing period of uncertainty.”
