Former world heavyweight boxing champion supports Am-box initiative

The Metropolitan Police Service’s (MPS) boxing initiative is getting support from former world heavyweight boxing champion Tim Witherspoon (pictured above).
Mr Witherspoon gave students taking part in the Contender Am-box programme top tips during a surprise visit to the MPS’ boxing centre in Hendon last week.
The ‘Contender’ package covers nutrition, citizenship and modules on local policing issues including gun, knife and gang crime. Other subjects tackled include bullying, truancy, drugs, tobacco and alcohol.
The force teamed up with Capital City Academy in Brent to plan the surprise visit by the former world champion during what the students believed to be a standard coaching and skills workshop. Mr Witherspoon, who at the height of his career defeated Frank Bruno in front of 60,000 fans at Wembley, discussed his career and the benefits to be gained from the sport.
The Police Community Clubs of Great Britain’s Contender Am-box programme is a recognised tactic for diverting children and young people away from crime while learning the advantages of sport, discipline and team working. It is a non-contact boxing initiative run in partnership with schools and boxing clubs nationwide.
The Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) ‘accredited’ programme is delivered by trained officers from the MPS Territorial Support Group (TSG) and safer neighbourhoods teams, who all possess an Amateur Boxing Association Level 1 coaching certificate.
Since the successful pilot in London last summer, the programme is now being rolled out in schools, clubs and other groups across the UK, with recognition from the ABAE and accreditation by the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN).