Anthony Joshua admits boxing got him off the streets as he bids to save 2,400 UK gyms from going out of business
ANTHONY JOSHUA has admitted boxing saved him from the streets as he launched a new initiative to raise money for independent gyms across the UK.
The WBA, WBO and IBF heavyweight champion of the world has partnered with banking app Revolut to launch a glow-in-the-dark debit card.
And for each card ordered, that costs £4.99, Revolut will donate £1 to support boxing clubs in England and Scotland.
The company has already promised to invest a minimum of £50,000 in grassroots boxing.
Joshua, who has agreed a mouthwatering two-fight deal against WBC king Tyson Fury, is delighted to have teamed up to raise much-needed funds.
He said: “Without my local gym I would not be where I am today.
“Across the UK, there are kids and adults alike using these gyms to improve their physical and mental health, and keep themselves off the streets.
“I am really pleased my Revolut card will make a real difference.”
Facilities such as gyms and leisure centres were not included in the UK Government’s Sport Winter Survival Package that was announced late last year.
And sports charity ukactive has estimated that 400 facilities have closed their doors permanently since the beginning of the pandemic and another 2,400 gyms are at risk.
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Alan Chang, senior vice president at Revolut, said: “These facilities provide vital services to their communities and play a critical role in the mental and physical health of their members.
“From day one, Revolut has always been community-driven, so we’re incredibly proud to partner with Anthony Joshua to help raise vital funds for independent gyms across the country.”
Joshua’s work has been praised by the chairman of England Boxing, Gethin Jenkins, who described it as a ‘great initiative’.
He added: “With clubs not being allowed to fully operate for over a year the impact on physical, mental health and financially has been significant and this innovation will help those clubs in most need.
“We thank Revolut and AJ for their support.”
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AJ has officially started training for his undisputed heavyweight title fight with Fury.
The first instalment of the long-awaited Battle of Britain is pencilled in for the summer, with a July date the most likely at this moment in time.
Joshua, 31, has been soaking up the sun in Miami and Mexico ahead of the multi-million-pound fight.
But according to the unified heavyweight champ’s promoter Eddie Hearn, AJ’s preparations for the biggest fight of his career are now underway.
The Matchroom Boxing chief said: “We can’t wait.
“AJ has started his training camp and Fury has been training very hard. They all want the fight.
“They are going to be presented with a few proposals on where to do the fight and everyone has to agree on where to do it.
“There is no other fight out there that comes close for either guy. July is the date.