Epic Golden Gloves fighters to KO Covid-19 with support from community and England Boxing

Aspiring boxers from Newark are calling on the community to help keep their beloved gym up-and-running for when the coronavirus lockdown comes to an end.

Fighters from Epic Golden Gloves, on Millgate, which is owned by former professional Esham Pickering, are appealing for the nation’s support to knockout Covid-19 as part of a campaign by England Boxing.

The club needs £1,875 to pay for the monthly rent and insurance while the club is closed during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I have a lot of good people who train at the gym and we are nearly there,” said Pickering, who was humbled by the response from his amateur fighters.

“The gym is a good place. It is good for kids, we are keeping children off the streets and that is the image we want to keep.

“We are going from strength to strength and big things are going to happen.”

Pickering said the donations from his fighters would be used as a forward payment and, in turn, they would get free sessions once the Government lifts its ban.

Epic GG is one of 13 clubs in the East Midlands who England Boxing are supporting, while more than 80 have been supported nationally.

“Clubs up and down the country who give fantastic service to their respective communities have been forced to close their doors until further notice, putting a tremendous financial strain on a number of them,” said England Boxing’s head of community development, Ron Tulley.

“That puts at risk the fantastic community work they do on a daily basis, teaching thousands of people, often in England’s most disadvantaged areas, to box.

“A host of clubs also take on additional vitally important projects concerning mental health, Parkinson’s, knife and gang crime, holiday hunger, inclusion, extremism and education, to name just a few.

“It’s why clubs are now appealing to the public — family, friends, members of the community and local businesses — to give as much as they can, with no amount too small, and all greatly appreciated. You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone, and communities all over England respect the work of their local boxing club.

“We cannot afford to lose one club during this Coronavirus outbreak, so please support #KOCOVID19 and ensure all clubs can survive.”

The campaign has the support of Newark’s Midlands’ title contender Chad Sugden, of Suggy’s Gym, while the likes of Daniel and Caroline Dubois have also offered clubs in need their support.

You can donate at www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/epicgoldenglovesabc