Breaking Through Barriers

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

The issues facing women and girls who box was the focus of the latest 'Chase Your Future' event held at Bermondsey Boxing Gym. The initiative, a partnership between Maverick Stars Trust and Boxxer, has already proved hugely successful in other towns and cities, and the latest instalment was no exception.

Participants on the day had all previously come through a Maverick Stars programme aimed at empowering young women through boxing. All took part in a question-and-answer session hosted by presenter Ali Drew with a panel including pro fighters Caroline Dubois and Fran Hennessy, along with Boxxer CEO Ben Shalom and England Boxing coach Rachel Bower. Caroline and debutant Fran were attending just days before their respective fights at York Hall.

Following the Q&A, all were treated to a boxing masterclass with former world champion and Maverick ambassador Anthony Crolla.

Future’s Bright for Adaptive Boxing

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Furture's Bright for Adaptive Boxing

Maverick Stars Trust and Boxxer teamed up once again to deliver a hugely successful adaptive boxing session in Salford.

On this occasion, the tables were turned with boxers and professional coaches being put through their paces by the staff and participants from the Yorkshire-based Kronik Warrior Adaptive Boxing Academy - the country's first and only adaptive boxing academy affiliated with England Boxing.

Click below to watch former world champions Anthony Crolla and Scott Quigg - along with current fighters Mikaela Mayer, Frazer Clarke and Adam Azim - get to grips with wheelchair boxing.

Train Like a GB Boxer

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Train Like a GB Boxer

Young people in Manchester were treated to a two-week summer holiday project delivered by Olympic hopefuls Delicious Orie and Conner Tudsbury.

Based at Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club, the pair ran sessions for local boys and girls aimed at giving them an insight into what it takes to become a champion. The initiative included boxing training, strength and conditioning, nutritional advice and general mentoring. All participants were provided with a nutritious meal at each session.

Super-heavyweight Delicious and Conner, who competes at light-heavy, are part of the GB Boxing team. It's been a huge year for 'DJ' who has won both Commonwealth and European gold medals, and qualified for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Conner is working at following his friend to the Games next year.

The Maverick Stars Trust 'Train Like a GB Boxer' iniatiative was delivered in association with Thermal Road Repairs - a Cheshire-based company that is committed to supporting the communities in which they work.

Inspiring the Next Gen

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Inspiring the Next Gen

Maverick Stars ambassadors Delicious Orie and Conner Tudsbury put Salford schoolchildren through their paces during a special initiative aimed at getting young people more active.

The GB boxing stars visited three schools in Walkden, giving motivational talks to the students along with delivering training sessions.

Salford Stars at Easter Giveaway

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Salford Stars at Easter Giveaway

Boxing royalty joined forces with the world of music and celebrity when a Salford gym opened its doors to the local community. Bridgewater ABC treated disadvantaged families to Easter eggs donated by loyal sponsors.

Those attending the event included former world champion Robin Reid, British and European titlist-turned-trainer Pat Barrett, and star of the show - Bez from the Happy Mondays (and countless reality tv shows).

Also on hand as roving reporters - Maverick Stars ambassador Jamie Moore and Maverick founder Charlotte Gilley.

Moss Side Taking Shape

Posted on by Dominic McGuinness

Moss Side Taking Shape

Moss Side Fire Station Boxing Club has opened the first phase of its extension. The gym now has improved toilet facilities, a viewing area and kitchen.

With support from Maverick Stars Trust, the club continues to thrive and change lives in one of the nation's most deprived wards. Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, is a passionate supporter of the club and is backing plans for further building works at the club.

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.

 

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

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.