Anthony Joshua Backs Grassroots Boxing Clubs

Anthony Joshua has backed grassroots boxing by giving substantial financial backing to the sport’s amateur national federations in England, Wales and Scotland. 

The federations will then distribute the money directly to those clubs in most need of support, with all parties agreeing that funding is ring-fenced for the clubs only. 

According to Joshua, the move is an effort to help the sport survive the toughest period in its history, with amateur clubs forced to close because of the coronavirus pandemic, and indoor facilities now closed in new tier four zones.

Joshua has also taken the opportunity to financially contribute to his own amateur gym, Finchley ABC, gifting new training kit. That donation will also be extended to the regional federations in partnership with Joshua sponsor Under Armour, which has offered to match Joshua’s financial offer in products. 

“Boxing helped shape me, both physically and mentally,” said Joshua.

“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 for those most in need.

“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 affected 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 added: “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 grassroots 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.”