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BEYOND THE BELL

 

Southside Boxing Academy Parkinson’s Boxing Class – A Positive Step for Inclusion, Health and Community Impact

Report by: Kieran Fraser

 

Southside Boxing Academy in Glasgow has taken an inspiring step forward in supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s through the introduction of a dedicated boxing class in association with Parkinson’s Scotland. This initiative highlights the powerful role that Boxing can play in improving physical health, mental wellbeing and social connection while strongly reflecting the principles of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).

A Positive Impact on the Parkinson’s Community

The Parkinson’s boxing class provides a safe, supportive and adaptable environment where participants can engage in non-contact boxing activities tailored to their needs. These sessions focus on improving mobility, coordination, balance and confidence, key areas often affected by Parkinson’s.

Beyond the physical benefits, the class fosters a strong sense of community. Participants are given the opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges, reducing isolation and promoting emotional wellbeing. The welcoming nature of the sessions ensures that everyone, regardless of ability, feels valued and included.

Head coach Anthony Quayle said: “Everyone comes in and they do a warm up, at their own pace, with the support of our coaches. Then we progress through the boxing drills, working on the punch bags and some punching on the pads.“

At its core, this initiative is a strong example of EDI in action by removing barriers to participation and adapting traditional boxing training methods, Southside Boxing Academy has created a space where individuals who may not typically engage in sport can thrive.

The programme demonstrates:

• Accessibility – Sessions are designed to meet varying physical abilities.
• Inclusivity – Participants are treated with dignity and respect, ensuring everyone feels part of the boxing community.
• Empowerment – Individuals are supported to build confidence and take ownership of their health and wellbeing.

This approach not only broadens participation but also challenges perceptions about who boxing is for.

 

A key strength of this initiative is its potential for growth and replication. An accompanying e-learning module has been developed, allowing Boxing Scotland coaches and clubs to access guidance on delivering Parkinson’s boxing sessions safely and effectively.

 

This resource provides:

• Practical coaching strategies
• Understanding of Parkinson’s and its impact
• Tools to adapt sessions for inclusivity

 

With this knowledge-sharing approach, there is strong potential for more clubs across Scotland to introduce similar sessions, significantly expanding the positive impact on the Parkinson’s community nationwide.

The success of Southside Boxing Academy’s Parkinson’s class represents a significant step forward in making boxing more inclusive across Scotland.  By continuing to embrace innovation, inclusivity and community engagement, Boxing Scotland and its affiliated clubs can play a vital role in improving the lives of individuals living with Parkinson’s truly delivering on their vision to include, influence and inspire.

 

If your club would be interested in hosting Parkinson’s session, please complete the following form.

Boxing Scotland & Parkinson’s UK – Club Suitability Interest Form – https://tinyurl.com/ParkinsonsBoxing

 

 

Does your club have a great EDI story and want to share it with Boxing Scotland? – complete the following form and Boxing Scotland EDI lead will be in touch to discuss. Beyond the Bell  – Fill in form

 

We have received a small number of withdrawals for boxers that were included in the Official Entry List/draw for the King of the North Box Cup 2026.

The Official Withdrawal List for the competition can be found at the bottom of this post.

Please note, the published Running Orders for the competition will not be amended, so it is the club’s responsibility to cross reference with the withdrawal list to know if their boxer will no longer be competing on a set day.

If an opponent is on the withdrawal list then your club’s boxer will be given a walkover into the next round.

If your boxer has a walkover then your boxer will not need to weigh-in on that day, despite being on the published Running Order, as boxers will only weigh-in on days that they compete.

If the bout was a straight final then unfortunately your boxer will not have a bout at the competition. Please note, boxers must compete in at least one bout in the competition in order to win a medal.

If clubs have any further withdrawals then please e-mail competitions@boxingscotland.org

Only confirmations sent to the above e-mail address will be accepted.

When sending, please list;

• Boxer name
• Club Name
• Category
• Weight

Please note, only names listed on the withdrawal list have been officially withdrawn from the competition. If a club reaches out to inform you of a withdrawal which affects your boxer, it is only official if they are on the below list.

King of the North Box Cup 2026 Official Withdrawal List;

NO.	WITHDRAWN BOXER AND CLUB	CATEGORY	OPPONENT
1	ALFIE GIBSON, CHIRNSIDE	JUNIOR, 80+KG	vs Logan Simpson, Glasgow Boxing Academy – Ring B, Saturday 30th May, Bout 12
2	ADAM KIELY, SAVIOURS CRYSTAL	ELITE, 60KG A	vs Sam Burnett, Cain – Ring A, Saturday 30th May, Bout 8
3	ROBBIE HIGGINS, CAMBUSNETHAN	ELITE, 70KG	vs Cameron Fraser, Kincorth – Ring A, Saturday 30th May, Bout 13
4	JACOB DRUMGOLD, FORGEWOOD	JUNIOR, 66KG	vs Alex Lawrie, Home Grown – Ring B, Saturday 30th May, Bout 10
5	ZAC STEWART, FORGEWOOD	SCHOOLS, 48KG	vs Hamza Menoar, Hutchison – Ring A, Saturday 30th May, Bout 4
6	ALI AMMAR, NIGHTMARE	ELITE, 85KG	vs Rhys Hopkins, Hartlepool Catholic – Ring A, Sunday 31st May, Bout 38
7	RHYS MCRAE, THE UNIT	ELITE, 60KG A	vs Winner of Bout 8 – Ring A, Sunday 31st May, Bout 28
8	CALLUM BELL, THE UNIT	ELITE, 80KG	vs Lukas Vaitekunas, Elgin – Ring A, Saturday 30th May, Bout 16
9	JOHNNY TRAVERS, BRONX	JUNIOR, 54KG A	vs Victor Bogdevic, Cain – Ring B, Saturday 30th May, Bout 4
10	NOAH AITKEN, BRONX	SCHOOLS, 44KG	vs Cameron Farrell, Cambusnethan – Ring A, Sunday 31st May, Bout 22

Boxing Scotland are delighted to release the Running Orders for the second annual King of the North Box Cup.

This year’s edition of the Box Cup will once again be hosted by Northern District clubs Granite City Boxing Club and Cain Boxing Club at Bucksburn Academy in Aberdeen on the dates of Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May.

Close to 200 entries were received for the competition from clubs from across Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland, with the field including current Scottish, British and European champions.

For the purposes of understanding the draw, the following boxers will compete in the following rings;

RING A – Schools 2012 & 2013 and Elite boxers.

RING B – Junior 2010 & 2011 and Youth 2008 & 2009 boxers.

Please note, Semi-Finals for the competition are set to be contested on Saturday 30th May and Finals will be contested on Sunday 31st May.

The weigh-in will take place from 8-10am each day, with boxing commencing from 11am.

Please note, boxers only need to weigh-in on days that they are scheduled to compete.

Additionally, please note that there is no weight allowance for this Open Class competition.

Ring A Running Orders (Schools 2012 & 2013 and Elite boxers);

Ring A Running Order, Saturday 30th May – KOTN Box Cup 2026

Ring A Running Order, Sunday 31st May – KOTN Box Cup 2026

Ring B Running Orders (Junior 2010 & 2011 and Youth 2008 & 2009 boxers);

Ring B, Saturday 30th May Running Order – KOTN Box Cup 2026

Ring B, Sunday 31st May Running Order – KOTN Box Cup 2026

If there are any questions regarding the Box Cup, please e-mail competitions@boxingscotland.org

Regards,

Boxing Scotland

 

 

It has been a fantastic cycle so far for the Boxing Scotland Next & Future Generation pathway squads, with stellar performances across events such as the GB Tri-Nations and international mega events. Scotland welcomed our first ever Schoolgirl European champion when Kara Young took gold in Bosnia, 2024. However, the squad was clearly not about to stop there as Scotland went back-to-back in 2025, with Sinita Kaur (pictured) triumphing for another European Schoolgirl gold medal in Montenegro.

The programme is going from strength to strength in the capable hands of James Paton and Robbie McKechnie, working in partnership with the clubs to develop Scotland’s future.

Boxing Scotland caught up with the coaches, to reflect on another successful year in 2025 and take a look forward to boxing opportunities awaiting throughout the rest of 2026.

 

 

 

ROBBIE MCKECHNIE

How did your own boxing journey lead you into performance coaching?

 

“I hung up the gloves in February 2022 and was fortunate enough to get asked back into the High Performance to coach a month after.

 

I was always coaching at my old amateur club out with my own training when I still competed and was always expressing what I thought when I travelled with Scotland so this must have been noticed. I have had a lot of experience competitively and represented Scotland at every age group, so I think it made sense for the natural transition.”

 

What excites you most about the current generation of young boxers in Scotland?

 

“The depth of talent Scotland currently has at School, Junior and Youth is probably the best it’s ever been. Records have repeatedly been broken at the GB Championships; we have medaled across all age groups at European championships and are successful at multi-nations and dual matches. I want to see the younger groups grow and have more talent make it onto the squads.”

 

How do you balance technical development with enjoyment at this stage of the pathway?

 

I always enjoy coaching, especially with the younger groups as the patter and energy is unmatched. The technical development takes care of itself – if boxers turn up eager to learn, show respect and work hard they will always improve due to the surroundings they’re in. Success breeds success and if these boys/girls are regularly training alongside other international boxers and are being invested in allowing them to compete internationally then they can only get better.

 

 

What are you looking forward to in the rest of 2026?

 

Scotland host this year’s new format of the GB Championships so it will be a statement if we can get another record gold medal tally at that. Of course, the Commonwealth Games are hosted in Glasgow so it will be great for all the younger boxers to watch and/or attend and set their sights reaching the next Games. The Youth Olympics are also being held this year, and we have boxers more than capable of qualifying so I would love to see Scottish boxers there.

 

 

 

JAMES PATON

What are your key highlights from 2025?

 

“There were many highlights in 2025, from a successful training camp and international dual in France to another strong Tri-Nations campaign across all age groups.

For me personally, the standout moment was seeing three out of four boxers reach the medal stages at the School European Championships. We came away with two bronze medals and one gold, and we were very unfortunate not to make it four out of four.

That achievement really shows the progression Scottish boxing has made over the years. The standard continues to rise, and it’s great to see the hard work paying off on the European stage.”

 

What does it mean to you to coach for Boxing Scotland’s future?

 

“Like any athlete or coach, it means a great deal to represent your country. It’s made even more rewarding by the high standard of boxers we currently have coming through the pathway, which is also a credit to the clubs developing them.

There’s a real sense of pride wearing the Scotland attire at championships. You feel a strong sense of achievement, and even more so when the boxers succeed.

I’m grateful that Boxing Scotland trust myself and Robbie to help guide and develop the next generation squads and look after the future of the sport.”

 

How does the pathway support boxer progression towards elite/senior levels?

 

“The pathway has been a massive factor in Boxing Scotland’s success over the past eight years. If you look at the five medal winners from the last Commonwealth Games, every one of them had been involved in the pathway from a young age. They had already gained experience at Tri-Nations events, as well as European and World Championships.

When boxers enter the pathway, they are exposed to a high-performance environment and the standards required at international level. Being surrounded by dedicated, high-achieving athletes pushes everyone to raise their level.

They gain valuable experience through training camps, international duals and major competitions. This not only develops them as boxers but also as individuals. The lessons learned in discipline, commitment and mental strength will benefit them well beyond the sport.”

 

What are you looking forward to in 2026?

 

“I’ve just completed my first international show that I organised and ran from start to finish, with Scotland hosting Ireland on 7th February at Dalkeith Miners. It was a great experience and gave 16 boxers the opportunity to compete at international level.

I’m hoping to organise more of these events in Scotland this year, along with return trips to the countries we host, so our boxers can gain valuable experience competing abroad.

I’m also looking forward to the Four-Nations and, hopefully, the European Championships later in the year.”

 

 

Next up for the boxers will be the newly formatted Four Nations championships, held on home soil in Motherwell from 11th – 14th June. Information on the event will be released via our social media channels in due course.

ENTRIES from across Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland have been received for the second annual King of the North Box Cup.

Close to 200 entries were received for the event which will be held at Bucksburn Academy, Aberdeen on the dates of Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st May 2026.

The competition is being hosted by Northern District clubs Granite City Boxing Club and Cain Boxing Club, with Boxing Scotland supporting the event by handling all entries and payments for the competition.

Final Entry Lists are now available to view for the event, which accurately reflect which boxers were enetered into the competition draw.

King of the North Box Cup 2026, Final Entry Lists;

Male Elite – Male Elite, Final Entry List – King of the North Box Cup 2026

Male Youth (2008 & 2009) – Male Youth, Final Entry List – King of the North Box Cup 2026

Male Junior (2010 & 2011) – Male Junior, Final Entry List – King of the North Box Cup 2026

Male Schools (2012 & 2013) – Male Schools, Final Entry List – King of the North Box Cup 2026

Female (All age categories) – Female (All age categories), Final Entry Lists – King of the North Box Cup 2026

Regards,

Boxing Scotland

BOXING Scotland are delighted to announce that we are once again partnering with Beath Boxing Club to help deliver the Beath Box Cup – with entries now open!

The National Governing Body will be handling all entries and payments for the Box Cup, which will be held in Cowdenbeath in June 2026.

The Beath Box Cup will be both a Development and an Open Class competition, once again set to attract top quality boxers from across the UK and beyond, ranging from School boxers born 2013 to Youth boxers born 2008.

DATE; Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June 2026.

VENUE; Beath High School, Cowdenbeath, Fife, Scotland, KY4 9BH

AGE CATEGORIES;

• Schools 2013
• Schools 2012
• Junior 2011
• Junior 2010
• Youth 2009
• Youth 2008

Boxers will compete within their Year of Birth only at both Development and Open Class categories.

EXPERIENCE CATEGORIES;

• Development A – 0-6 bouts
• Development B – 7-15 bouts
• Open Class – No limit on number of bouts (Recommended 15+ bouts)

COST: £25 per boxer.

The Box Cup is only open for boxers and clubs who are affiliated with a recognised National Governing Body (ie Boxing Scotland/England Boxing/Welsh Boxing/Boxing Ireland etc) for the 2025/26 season.

Clubs can only enter boxers for the event via the online entry forms below;

Beath Box Cup 2026 Entry Forms;

Male Entry Form – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/tyLBrwt5z5

Female Entry Form – https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/ad47cha1fQ

Entries will close at Noon on Monday 25th May 2026, however please be aware that entries may close earlier due to the event reaching capacity. Final entries will be published on the Boxing Scotland website ahead of the event.

All entries must be accompanied by an Entry payment of £25 which can only be paid through Boxing Scotland’s online ticketing platform at the link below.  Entry fees must also be paid for by the deadline of Noon on Monday 25th May 2026. Entry fees are non-refundable.

Payment Portal – https://shop.ticketing.cm.com/boxing-scotland-boxer-entry-all-competitions/events/c7f10523-e422-460f-b645-4201fea9649e

If clubs have any questions regarding entries or payments for the Beath Box Cup 2026 please e-mail competitions@boxingscotland.org