Coyle Joins Fight Against Hunger

Coyle Joins Fight Against Hunger

Inspired by Marcus Rashford, former Commonwealth champion Tommy Coyle has signed up to take part in our 'Fit and Fed' programme.

In partnership with Maverick Stars Trust, Coyle is planning to provide free meals for children in and around Hull.

With the scheme already a huge success in the North-West, the link up ensures even more youngsters will be fed whilst they are off school.

"We've done relatively well in the lockdown with retail because a lot of people have shopped locally," he said. "We're the owners of three or four different fruit and veg stalls, and it doesn't sit right with me that we've profited from these tough times.

"I feel like it's the right thing to do, to try and give back where I can."

Frampton’s Waiting Game…

Frampton's Waiting Game...

Carl Frampton is preparing for his chance to make history when he takes on Jamel Herring - but when and where that will be is anyone's guess!

The friend of Maverick Stars is bidding to become the first three-weight world champion from the island of Ireland, but he's as much in the dark as anyone else regarding the date.

"The sixth of February has been mentioned and the end of February has been mentioned. What I've been told is it's between the end of January and the end of February so I'm training with the earliest date in my head. I'll be ready whenever that is."

Last year was a testing time for everybody and Carl had the added issue of a court case to contend with. With that chapter now closed, the 'Jackal' is just focussing on securing his fighting legacy - although he's not ruling out an interesting second career one day!

Next Generation at Walkden ABC

Next Generation at Walkden ABC

Maverick Stars' coaches Aqib Fiaz and Danny Wright have been working with Salford Youth Service to deliver free boxing classes at the new Walkden ABC.

Professional fighter Fiaz and former pro Wright coached eight kids per session, introducing them to the sport in the run up to Christmas.

"For most parts of the year they've all been sat at home doing nothing," Aqib said. "It's just getting the kids active and doing something they enjoy."

Click the link below to hear more from Aqib...

DJ Nearly Ready

DJ Nearly Ready

Delicious Orie will soon be a full member of Team GB, with passport issues close to being resolved.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Nigerian father, DJ was raised in Wolverhampton from the age of seven.

He only started boxing at 18 whilst at university, under the guidance of Mick Maguire at the Jewellery Quarter Boxing Club in Birmingham.

With both the Tokyo 2021 and Paris 2024 Olympic cycles firmly underway, a British passport will allow DJ to knuckle down and fight for a place at the Games.

Success for Maverick in the ring

Success for Maverick in the ring

Over the past few days, fighters associated with Maverick Stars have had huge successes in the ring.

Last night, Lyndon Arthur (part of our 'in Your Corner' campaign) upset the odds with a phenomenal display to outbox and outpoint heavy favourite Anthony Yarde.

The official result was a split decision, although the 117-111 scorecard from Ian John-Lewis in Yarde's favour has been widely regarded as far off the mark. The other cards both read 115-114 in 'King Arthur's' favour.

On Wednesday night, ambassador Jazza Dickens produced a similarly impressive performance to outpoint Ryan Walsh in the final of MTK's 'Golden Contract' tournament.

This time the judges all favoured the work of 29-year-old Dickens, and the win means a lucrative contract is in store for his next five fights.

There was one disappointment on Friday night though.

Friend of Maverick Stars Martin Murray fell short on the world stage, losing in a one-sided affair against Billy-Joe Saunders.

The fight was one last roll of the dice for the popular St Helens born fighter, but the class of Saunders made it difficult for him to get a foothold in the fight.

Scores of 120-109 (x2) and 118-110 confirmed the defeat.

Lyndon’s Time to Shine?

Lyndon's Time to Shine?

Lyndon Arthur gets the chance to shake up the domestic light-heavyweight scene this evening when he takes on 'The Beast' Anthony Yarde.

Having been part of the charity's 'in Your Corner' campaign, Maverick Stars would like to wish Lyndon the very best of luck ahead of the bout.

Over the course of 2020, 'King Arthur' has provided support for those in need of a 'big brother' figure, including 16-year-old Nissar.

"I know what I've been through and there's certain things in my life that could've made me go down a different path," Lyndon explained. "It could be easy for Nissar to do the same thing. I just try and give him knowledge about what's right and what's wrong."

The bookies have Yarde a wide favourite for the contest, but those who know Lyndon are quietly confident their man can upset the odds.

"I don't see myself as the underdog," Lyndon said.  "I've always had confidence going into this fight and nothing has changed."

 

 

Fox ABC ready to go again

Fox ABC ready to go again

With the help of Maverick Stars Trust, Fox ABC is set to open its doors to young people in North Manchester.

The club have struggled to find a new home since a fire destroyed their old premises earlier this year, but Avro FC in Limeside came to the rescue by offering their clubhouse as a new home for 'The Fox'.

After months of hard work, former world champion Anthony Crolla's amateur club is now ready to reopen once current restrictions are lifted.

With minor work still needed to perfect the space, there is finally light at the end of the tunnel for all the kids who rely on the gym.

Despite this, further fundraising is still needed for the club to pay their rent and other costs.

Boxing gyms battle on despite lack of funding

Boxing gyms battle on despite lack of funding

The government’s decision to leave boxing out of their £300m sports rescue package has put community gyms in danger.

Without further financial help, it will soon become impossible for gyms to keep changing the lives of youngsters up and down the country.

Maverick Stars Trust has already brought nearly £750,000 into boxing through projects, and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Nigel Travis is a firm believer in boxing putting children onto the right path in life, something which is difficult to do with current restrictions.

Travis, head coach of Moss Side Fire Station ABC, said:

"We're just trying our best to maintain some normality, keeping the kids involved in anyway we can.

"It is a battle, I don't mind admitting it. It is a battle to keep kids involved and competing, there is no end game at the moment."

Matthew Knipe is a European Championship silver medalist , and he is doing the best he can to keep up with his training despite not competing since March.

He said: "I'd be in the gym at least three times a week and then I'd be doing my own stuff like running and fitness outside of the gym as well.

Promoter Eddie Hearn wrote an open letter to the government last week calling for funding at the grassroots level of the sport, but he is yet to receive a reply.

Despite widespread support across the country, it is yet to be seen whether amateur boxing clubs will get the help they need to survive.

Lomas joins the team

Lomas joins the team

Maverick Stars Trust is delighted to welcome actor Jamie Lomas to our team of ambassadors.

Lomas joins the team following his recent short film 'Lead Belly', where he plays an ex-soldier suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder whilst living on the streets.

The film aims to raise awareness about the struggles homeless veterans face once they are integrated back into society.

Famous for his role in Hollyoaks and an impressive stint as runner-up on 'I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!', Jamie will be spearheading 'Operation Warrior', aimed at helping armed forces veterans.

The initiative proved a success upon its launch at Gemini ABC in Liverpool, with veterans taking part in an eight-week programme featuring boxing sessions, team building days, guest speakers and a mental health first aid course.

Food Community Hub Continues

Food Community Hub Continues

Despite half term coming to an end, Maverick Stars is committed to continue providing free meals for children and families in need.
 
To date, more than 50,000 families nationwide have been fed since the start of the first lockdown.
 
'The 'Fit and Fed' and 'Holiday Hunger' programmes have proved a huge success as part of the Maverick Stars 'Food Community Hub' initiative. With the second lockdown now upon us, more families will need our assistance.
 
"We will continue with our food programmes for as long as we need to," explained Maverick Stars founder Charlotte Gilley. "It's been rewarding to see the success of our initiatives although obviously we'd rather families weren't in need in what is such a testing time for so many."
 
Pictured: Gemini ABC in Liverpool over half term
Children between the ages of five and 15 were able to attend a one hour boxing session every day, followed by a free launch.
 
Elsewhere, Jennings Gym in Lancashire have been working with Maverick Stars and Bees Country Kitchen to provide food daily for children in Chorley.
 
The meal pack contains a full adult size meal and a cake/fruit, complying with school nutrition guidelines.