A New Maverick Star

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

A New Maverick Star

Maverick Stars Trust has welcomed a new addition to its stable of ambassadors in the shape of Lancashire fighter Josh Holmes.

The super-feather weight has endured a torrid year after a routine brain scan showed an irregularity. Happily, further tests and an assessment which followed, cleared the talented 27year-old to continue with his boxing career. The highly-rated fighter was back in action in Oldham on March 5, stopping opponent Tatenda Mangombe in the fifth round.

As part of his new role with Maverick, Josh aims to help young amateur fighters to stay fit, healthy and pursue their boxing dreams.

Sharpening the Tools

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Sharpening the Tools

It has been a hectic few weeks for Maverick Stars ambassadors Delicious Orie and Kerry Davis who have just returned home from GB Boxing training camps in Italy and the USA. Both have a busy year ahead with the big target - Olympic qualification.

The pair have been training with and sparring the best amateur Americans, with DJ getting in valuable rounds with Olympic silver medalist (and 5-0 professional) Richard Torrez. The focus then switches to the Strandja tournament in Bulgariand the European Games in Poland.

Charlotte Gilley ‘MBE’

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Charlotte Gilley 'MBE'

It's been a whirlwind time for Charlotte Gilley after the Maverick Stars Trust founder was awarded an MBE for services to boxing in the King's New Year honours list.

After the sport helped turned Charlotte's life around, she decided to set up the charity to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people. Thousands have since benefited through a series of Maverick Stars initiatives.

Charlotte's news has been picked up by the press - examples below.

 

The ex-wine merchant mum changing the lives of thousands of kids across Manchester through boxing - Manchester Evening News

Cheshire mum who used boxing to help tackle depression honoured for setting up charity helping disadvantaged youngsters - Cheshire Live (cheshire-live.co.uk)

Alderley Edge mum honoured for services to boxing - alderleyedge.com

Welcome Cindy Ngamba!

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Welcome Cindy Ngamba!

One of boxing's most exciting talents has linked up with Maverick Stars Trust, becoming the latest in a growing list of ambassadors.

Cindy Ngamba is already familiar with fellow Maverick ambassadors Kerry Davis, Delicious Orie and Conner Tudsbury from the GB podium squad in Sheffield.  As she is applying for UK citizenship, she cannot officially be a part of the squad, but is allowed to train and compete at IBA competitions with the Fair Chance team for displaced boxers.

It has been an arduous road for the 23year old who was born in Cameroon but arrived in Bolton as a child after a two-year spell in Paris.

“I got my refugee status here because of my sexuality. In my country [Cameroon], it’s illegal – you can get killed, beaten up or put into prison for being gay,” explained Cindy.

“I’ve had many, many hard years coming up and I believe that’s what’s made me what I am. You learn from hard times, that’s how I see it.”

When she is not at GB Boxing, Cindy trains out of Elite Boxing under the guidance of well-respected coach Alex Matvienko. Elite is a long-standing partner of Maverick Stars with the club delivering many community initiatives – work Cindy will be assisting with.

A three-time, three-weight national amateur champion, Cindy competed for the Fair Chance refugee team at last year’s World Championships, but the main goal now is for her citizenship status to be settled in time for the 2024 Olympics.

“It would mean the world to me,” she says with her trademark smile. “To go out there with GB, wear the vest and represent the country I’ve been trying to fight with for many years. A dream come true!”

Crolla Backs Maverick Success

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Crolla Backs Maverick Success

It has been a busy year for boxer-turned-trainer Anthony Crolla, with his ever growing stable of successful professional fighters and a busy amateur boxing club, Fox ABC in Oldham. But the former WBA lightweight champion is especially proud of the gym’s Operation Warrior programme.

The Maverick Stars Trust initiative delivers free boxing sessions, team building days, guest speakers and mental health first aid for former service men and women. The project has proved hugely successful throughout the country and is being delivered in thirteen amateur boxing clubs.

The sessions proved so popular at Fox, that armed forces vets are now competing for the club, most notably Ashley Shaw, who was victorious in his bout at the ‘Hard Hitters’ event in Liverpool earlier this year.

Along with all the amateur activity, Crolla trains his band of fighters, including Rhiannon Dixon, James Moorcroft, and Jake James at his gym on the Limeside estate.

 

Community Champ Conner

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Community Champ Conner

Winning boxing accolades has always been the norm for Conner Tudsbury, but claiming titles away from the ring is something new. The Maverick Stars ambassador has been commended for his community work by GB Boxing.

The award was presented to Conner at the team's end of year awards night in Sheffield. Conner has been working with Maverick Stars for three years, helping to deliver initiatives such as 'Train Like an Olympian' and 'Fit and Fed' at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club. Both programmes offer free training sessions and nutritious meals for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

We always knew Conner was an all-round star - now everyone at GB Boxing does too!

Missing your Kids? Box the Blues this Christmas

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Missing your Kids? Box the Blues this Christmas

Maverick Stars Trust has partnered with a Lincolnshire boxing gym to provide a unique programme for single parents who will be without their children this Christmas.

The ‘Boxing Days’ initiative is the brainchild of former professional fighterturned-coach Amir Unsworth. All single parents, and those who would enjoy some company this Christmas, are invited to Amir’s Boxing Academy in Sleaford.   

“I had to go through court to gain access to my daughter in 2010. It took a while, and it was boxing training that helped to keep my head together,” Amir explained. “Now, I’ve got a two-year old and I’ve gone through the same again. It wasn’t a long time, I was stopped from seeing my daughter for six weeks, but I was training hard all the way through it.

“I know full well, when life is bad or things are getting to your head and things are not going good, get training! It’ll make your mindset positive.”

Along with boxing training, participants on Christmas Day will also receive a gift hamper (confectionary, gym accessories and other goodies) and refreshments. There will also be the opportunity for all to have a chat and share their experiences.

“I know what it’s like for parents not to see their kids at Christmas,” Amir added. “I know and I train through it. When times are hard, I train. When times are good, I train! It makes everything better. I will tell everyone my story on Christmas Day, and it should make them feel a bit better. I have been through the mill, but I’ve kept positive and kept training.”

Along with single parents, anyone who is feeling vulnerable or lonely this Christmas is welcome to attend the sessions.

For more information about ‘Boxing Days’ contact: Amir Unsworth: 07713 726 636

Warriors Set for Battle

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Warriors Set for Battle

Armed forces vets who have been taking part in the Maverick Stars ‘Operation Warrior’ initiative, are set to put their newly acquired skills to the test on an amateur show in Liverpool.

The event, organised by the charity ‘Hard Hitters’ in conjunction with Willaston ABC in Birkenhead, is being held at the prestigious St George’s Hall on November 5th and will see vets go toe-to-toe, raising much needed funds in the process. Hard Hitters provides support for vets who suffer with addiction, PTSD, homelessness, or financial issues upon leaving the services. The charity was founded by Luke Nevin, a veteran who struggled with his own addiction issues.

Operation Warrior has similar aspirations, delivering free boxing sessions, team building days, guest speakers and mental health first aid for former service men and women. The project has proved hugely successful and is being delivered in 13 amateur boxing clubs throughout England.

Three Operation Warrior fighters from Willaston ABC – Joe Betts, Harry Harrison, and Calvin Welch - will be in action on the 5th, along with Ashley Shaw from Fox ABC.

Former world champion Anthony Crolla has been lending a hand with the sessions at his amateur club, the Fox.

 

Moss Side Taking Shape

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Moss Side Taking Shape

The first phase of a planned double extension at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club is now underway.

Along with extending the gym area, the new construction will include a classroom, office and changing areas. The club is a long-term partner of Maverick Stars Trust and has delivered many community initiatives from the premises. The extension will ensure the gym's vital work continues, as head coach Nigel Travis explained.

"We need to invest in our kids from this area. This [extension] is like a levelling up, if ever there was one. We're trying to put our energy into this and hopefully we save the world one day at a time."

Click below to find out more from Maverick ambassadors Nigel and GB podium star Conner Tudsbury.

 

Champ Backs ‘Fit for Life’

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Champ Backs 'Fit for Life'

World champion Paul Butler is backing a Maverick Stars initiative to help over 55's get in the gym and get 'Fit for Life'.

Boxing training is recommended by GP's as a way of battling stress, anxiety and the aches and pains that come with age. Wirral CP Boxing club in Ellesmere Port is partnering with Maverick to provide free sessions every Tuesday.

Butler - a two-time world champ - started boxing at Wirral CP aged just eight, and is still a very familiar sight at the club. When he's not training for title fights, the bantamweight boss coaches at the club and is fully behind its latest project (click video below).

'Fit for Life' details: Each Tuesday, 3pm Wirral CP Boxing club, 55 Station Road, Ellesmere Port, CH66 1NY Contact Peter: 07971 476605