Pride in London boxing event is set to ‘challenge perceptions’ of LGBT people
Pride in London is set to hold a boxing event in order to raise money – and also to break down some stereotypes.
Anyone will be able to fight in what organisers are calling a “white collar” event, as long as they donate £50 to Pride in London and undergo a rigorous two-and-a-half month training programme.
The amateur LGBT boxers will then take each other on, fighting others of a “similar ability, weight and fitness level, to ensure a fair contest,” Pride Boxing said.
The rookie pugilists will begin training for the event in less than a month, on April 18th at the Cobra Gym in Victoria – and will even be able to choose their own entrance music.
Tickets for the June 30th event at Porchester Hall in west London will cost £40.
Polly Shute, director of development and strategic partnerships at Pride in London, said the first ever boxing event associated with the London Pride parade would open doors for LGBT people.
“This unique partnership will allow the LGBT+ community in London to engage in boxing in a way that not only raises money to support Pride in London but will challenge perceptions,” she said.
“The aim is to truly represent the LGBT+ community, with as much of a gender balance as possible.”
Robbie Cave, a promoter of the event, hailed the match-up as one which would break down barriers between the LGBT community and boxing.
“We’re excited to be working with Pride in London this time round to support the LGBT+ community, which has previously had little awareness in this sport.
“The training program is a challenge but such a rewarding experience for the competitors, and there’s nothing quite like fight night – the energy in the room and the support for fighters is always what makes it for us.”
Pride in London last week announced the theme of this year’s event, which is #LoveHappensHere.
We are thrilled to announce our theme for 2017 is #LoveHappensHere https://t.co/5t06ByRkhd pic.twitter.com/mQhaCDaRvj
— Pride in London (@LondonLGBTPride) March 16, 2017
