Trailblazer Samera Ali Joins England Boxing Board as Diversity Action Plan Launches

England Boxing is pleased to announce that Samera Ali will be joining their Board of Directors and also serve as the Chair for their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion subcommittee.

The appointment is a landmark occasion for the National Governing Body as Ali will become the first Muslim and South Asian woman to hold this influential position. The move highlights England Boxing’s ongoing dedication to broadening its leadership representation and inclusivity within the sport.

Birmingham-based Ali brings a vast wealth of knowledge from coaching and judging in Boxing and Kickboxing over the years. She was also the recipient of the ‘Coach of the Year’ accolade earlier this year at the England Boxing Awards.

The mother of three is best known for balancing the sport alongside her career in teaching and has a background in Health Promotion. Within Boxing, she is a Level 2 Coach and a Class C Official who is deeply committed to promoting diversity and equality due to the cultural and societal barriers she has had to overcome.

To mark this historic occasion, England Boxing is also releasing its new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP), which shows where England Boxing currently is as an organisation, what we are aiming for, and how we will get there. It also highlights where boxing as a sport can improve, and looks at challenging some of the issues members have identified. This document outlines our intentions for the next year and beyond, in creating an inclusive and accessible sport. We encourage our members to read the action plan, and join England Boxing in creating a sport for all. 

The priorities in the comprehensive document are focused on women and girls inclusion, greater representation for ethnically diverse communities, and more participation opportunities for those with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Building on existing programmes like Inclusion Clubs and the Women’s Coaches Development Programme, the DIAP aims to create more initiatives to diversify the sport, increasing accessibility and inclusion. There is also a heavy emphasis on education, ensuring that our coaches, officials and tutors have the knowledge and skills to work with diverse groups of boxers. 

L2R: Amanda Coulson with Samera Ali

Speaking on her appointment and the launch of the DIAP, Samera said: “I am truly honoured to stand before you today as a member of the England Boxing Board and the chair of the EDI subcommittee. This role holds profound significance for me, not just professionally, but personally. As a Muslim woman, I have faced barriers that have shaped my journey, and it’s my mission to ensure that others, especially women from ethnic minorities, have the opportunity to thrive in this sport.

As a coach, I have witnessed first hand how our initiatives are being incorporated in clubs across England. It’s inspiring to see how these efforts are making a tangible difference, encouraging more female boxers, coaches, and officials to join our ranks. Equally important is our commitment to inclusion for individuals with disabilities and those facing mental health challenges. Everyone deserves a chance to participate in and benefit from the sport we love.

We’ve made remarkable progress at England Boxing in promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, but we know there is still much work to be done. I am delighted to be part of England boxing and I am optimistic about the direction we are taking. Together, we can break down any remaining barriers and create an environment where diverse voices are not just heard, but celebrated.

Thank you for your support, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together in advancing EDI in boxing!”

To view the full Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan, please click here.