Britain’s Heavyweight Champion, Anthony Joshua has made financial donations to boxing gyms over fears that many may go out of business due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Joshua’s donations came after his promoter, Eddie Hearn voiced his concerns over as well as some amateur gyms already shutting down temporarily through the Lockdown in the United Kingdom (UK). “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 grass roots clubs and do what I can to keep the lights on for those most in need.
“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.”
The Chairman of Boxing Scotland, Kevin Bell commended Joshua for his assistance.
He said, “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.”
Meanwhile, the donations would be distributed to clubs through England Boxing, Welsh Boxing, and Boxing Scotland.
