QUEENSBERRY PROMOTIONS have announced a £1 million pound pledge to BoxWise Foundation.
The charity works with vulnerable young people to try and help them stay out of trouble and in school or work. In addition BoxWise, founded in 2020, delivers 10-week non-contact boxing programmes to the most disadvantaged and vulnerable people across the UK. A hot meal is included in the sessions and programme graduates are presented with an opportunity to participate in a pathways programme to support their next steps in education or employment.
“Boxing is my number one priority, it’s my whole life now,” said one participant who wished to keep his name anonymous.
“I’m so much more confident. I stopped smoking because of boxing, I stopped drinking because of boxing, I stopped partying.”
Queensberry promoter Frank Warren will become the first Chairman of the BoxWise Foundation Development Board. BoxWise also confirmed that Queensberry’s generosity is to be matched by BoxWise founder Nick Maughan who, along with incoming development board member, Chris Kilvington, will add another £1 million pounds each.
“Boxing has given me everything – friends, a business and happiness – but most of all something to wake up in the morning for, a real sense of purpose and belonging,” said Warren who attended BoxWise session at an Islington Boxing Club on Tuesday (July 23).
“I am delighted that Queensberry is supporting BoxWise and also proud to become the first Chairman of the BoxWise Foundation Development Board.”
BoxWise Director and Co-Founder Rick Ogden MBE said, “We are delighted to welcome Queensberry and are so grateful for their support.
“At BoxWise we help those who are vulnerable to becoming victims and perpetrators of knife crime onto a positive way forward in life through their engagement with the sport.”