Matchroom Boxing has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Empire Fighting Chance, a pioneering boxing charity, to bring meaningful change to grassroots boxing across the UK. Over the next three years, this collaboration will provide critical support to up to 100 amateur boxing clubs, directly benefiting thousands of young people aged 8 to 25.
A Major Investment in Grassroots Boxing
Through a six-figure contribution from the Matchroom Charitable Foundation, this partnership reinforces Matchroom’s dedication to inspiring the next generation of boxers while addressing key social challenges. Empire Fighting Chance uses boxing as a vehicle for positive change, supporting young people facing inequality, poverty, and trauma.
Their unique model combines non-contact boxing with tailored psychological support, delivered by trained coaches and therapists in a safe and supportive environment. By addressing both physical and mental health, Empire empowers young people to realize their potential and make positive life changes.
Empowering Communities Through Boxing
Empire Fighting Chance has already made a profound impact, supporting approximately 3,500 young people annually and expanding its programs across the UK. With Matchroom’s support, the partnership will:
- Expand Empire’s Reach: Provide psychological and business model support to 100 amateur boxing clubs.
- Support Mental and Physical Health: Equip clubs to deliver programs addressing mental health, gang involvement, and school engagement.
- Build Sustainable Communities: Empower clubs to make long-term transformations in their regions.
Empire’s success stories include helping young people overcome adversity, return to education, find employment, and improve their well-being.
Transforming the Future of Grassroots Boxing
Eddie Hearn, Chairman of Matchroom Sport, emphasized the importance of this partnership:
“This partnership with Empire Fighting Chance enables us to sustain charitable donations in a way that not only helps clubs to survive but also supports thousands of young people to thrive. This partnership will have a significant impact on the lives of many.”
Alex Le Guével, Matchroom Boxing’s Head of Community Development, added:
“Our partnership with Empire Fighting Chance will redefine grassroots boxing provision, starting in the UK and expanding to communities worldwide.”
Martin Bisp and Jamie Sanigar, co-founders of Empire Fighting Chance, highlighted the transformational potential of the collaboration:
“This partnership gives us the chance to forever change the boxing landscape. Through our network, we are reducing poor mental health, helping young people exit criminal behavior, and saving lives.”
Empire’s Proven Track Record
The charity’s origins trace back to an inspiring story in Bristol, where a small boxing project grew into a national movement. Today, Empire supports amateur clubs across the UK, providing training and resources to implement its programs. Since partnering with England Boxing in 2022, Empire and its network have supported over 15,000 young people and raised more than £2 million for sustainable community development.
How Clubs Can Get Involved
Amateur boxing clubs interested in partnering with Empire Fighting Chance to deliver their programs and transform their communities can reach out via email at aaron@empirefightingchance.org.
About the Matchroom Charitable Foundation
The Matchroom Charitable Foundation centralizes the philanthropic efforts of Matchroom Sport. Funded in part by a £1 contribution for every ticket sold at its events, the foundation has donated millions to sports, community charities, and hospices over the past 30 years. Through partnerships like this, Matchroom continues to make a lasting impact on deserving causes.
Conclusion
This partnership between Matchroom Boxing and Empire Fighting Chance is more than an investment in grassroots boxing—it’s an investment in young people, communities, and the future of the sport. Together, they aim to inspire change and provide the resources needed for lasting impact across the UK and beyond.
