South Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner praises boxing clubs at event in Firth Park, Sheffield

Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Billings, attended a community boxing event in Sheffield along with representatives from the Violence Reduction Unit.

The event, which took place at Wadsley Bridge Working Men’s Club and hosted by Firth Park Boxing Academy, saw 12 bouts across the evening in an event bringing boxing clubs together from across the region. The bouts saw members of Firth Park Boxing Academy pitted against their counterparts from other clubs.

Following the event, Mr Billings thanked the boxing clubs for their role in supporting local young people while the Violence Reduction Unit said it showed importance of sport in bringing the community together.

He said: "It was a pleasure to attend the community boxing event.

"As someone who was once an amateur boxer, it was great to see so many people there and to see the skills on display.

“I would like to congratulate the organisers for hosting such a good evening, and I would especially like to thank the boxing clubs for all the work they are doing to support local young people,” he added.

“The boxing clubs give young people positive and purposive things to do in their lives. They help young people to learn self-discipline and to respect others. Their leaders are crucial adult role models for so many.”

Graham Jones, head of the Violence Reduction Unit in South Yorkshire, also commented on the event, highlighting sport’s importance in bringing together local communities.

"I’m pleased that the Violence Reduction Unit was able to attend and support the community boxing event in Wadsley Bridge,” he said.

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“Boxing and other sports play an important role in bringing communities together, developing young people’s skills and promoting their wellbeing.”

The South Yorkshire Violence Reduction Unit is taking a public health approach to preventing and reducing violence across the region, looking at the causes of violence and working to stop violence before it begins and build a way out for people already involved in violence.