Positives of amateur boxing to be highlighted in House of Commons debate
February 24, 2023 | by Matt Halfpenny
The power of amateur boxing as a positive force for social mobility and inclusion will be highlighted for the first time in the House of Commons on Monday (27th February).
James Daly MP will present the case for the sport, which is governed by England Boxing, to become front and centre in future government’s sports strategy and levelling up agenda.
The member of the house for Bury North will outline boxing’s ability – with 40 per cent of its member clubs in the 20% most deprived areas of the country – to help people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to get active, gain confidence and improve their mental health.
Mr Daly will advocate that specific legislation is brought in to tighten up the rules around white collar and other forms of unlicensed boxing, ahead of the key issues he details being debated in the house.
He will also urge the need for greater funding support for boxing clubs, particularly in relation to improving facilities and recruiting apprentices from disadvantaged backgrounds in order to aid a largely volunteer workforce.
England Boxing has worked closely with the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Boxing to secure this opportunity to showcase the sport’s ability to transform lives, which will be broadcast live on television.
“We are delighted to have amateur boxing featured as an adjournment debate within the House of Commons on a subject as important as social mobility,” said England Boxing’s Head of Operations, Avoen Perryman.
“Our members and volunteers have long known the positive impact that amateur boxing can have on people’s lives, as well as the unique position we hold in supporting and serving those from lower socio-economic groups and others experiencing barriers that affect their ability to achieve their full potential.
“I’d just like to thank James Daly MP, for his efforts in securing the debate, Murray Stewart and the APPG on Boxing for their political advocacy of amateur boxing, and Sport England for their continued support and investment into our sport.”
You can watch and listen to the debate on Monday from 10pm by clicking here.
