Boxing champion supports anti-knife crime event

A boxing event aimed at turning young people away from knife crime has been supported by a former champion.

The fight night at Venue Central in Luton on Saturday was backed by former British, Commonwealth and European lightweight champion Billy Schwer.

He said he was glad to support his home town and "a great cause".

Attendee and former town mayor, Mohammed Riaz, said the core motto of the event was "knives down, gloves up".

He said Luton had gained a negative reputation for knife crime and drugs, with young people becoming victims of stabbings.

"To find a solution to this serious issue, business figures, professionals and young people in Luton joined forces to organise a boxing tournament, aimed at steering children toward sports activity," he said.

Boxing contests were arranged by Pressure Promotions which was set up by local youngsters, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"They successfully turned the evening into a highly engaging event, with a significant turnout of community representatives and boxers," said Riaz.

"Speakers stressed that our young people don't lack talent but simply need to be encouraged toward sports by parents, who must play a vital role in achieving this."

Luton councillor Aslam Khan, Conservative, praised the event on social media, saying: "Huge gratitude to the sponsors and everyone involved in organising and supporting this brilliant event.

"Boxing is about much more than fighting. It's about giving young people purpose, discipline, confidence and direction."

He added: "Instead of fighting on the streets, they're learning to compete with respect, discipline and honour inside the ring."

Schwer, who attended Challney High School for Boys in Luton, said he would happily support similar events in future.

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