A national network of grassroots boxing clubs built by Empire Fighting Chance with the backing of Matchroom Boxing has generated and reinvested more than £7.2 million into local communities, according to a new impact report published on 6 November.
The network now supports 73 grassroots boxing clubs across the UK and has reached more than 50,000 young people. Sixty-nine therapists have been trained through the programme.
2026 brought the network's first impact measurement. Its findings show six in 10 young participants reporting enhanced wellbeing and eight in 10 experiencing increased confidence.
Matchroom Boxing has referred more than 40 new clubs into the programme, donated hundreds of tickets to major events and sent elite fighters to community events across the country, including WBC World Super Lightweight Champion Dalton Smith, British and Commonwealth Cruiserweight champion Pat Brown and rising prospect Adam Maca.
At grassroots level, Empire Fighting Chance has also secured £180,000 in dedicated funding for the network, including direct investment in nine community boxing clubs.
Matchroom Sport Founder and President Barry Hearn OBE said: "I grew up in a working-class family where opportunities didn't always feel accessible or guaranteed. One of the things I've always believed is that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity doesn't always."
Jamie Sanigar, Empire Fighting Chance Co-Founder and CEO, said: "Boxing has traditionally operated in silos, with clubs and organisations doing incredible work but often in isolation. The network is helping change that, bringing clubs together to share knowledge, support one another and achieve far more collectively."
Martin Bisp, Empire Fighting Chance Executive Director for Global Partnerships and Impact, added: "Together, we're using boxing to change communities, transform and save lives and help clubs keep their doors open."
The model is spreading beyond the UK too. In Canada, partner organisation REACH Edmonton has secured $2.2m to expand delivery of the Empire model, while Fighting Chance USA has been set up to replicate the UK network, starting in Philadelphia.
Next year Empire Fighting Chance will roll out a new three-year strategy with a dedicated identity for the national network. Its The Right Hook 2 national report, due in spring 2027, will make the case for greater recognition of and investment in community boxing.
Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not. This report shows what grassroots boxing clubs can do for young people when they are connected, funded and backed by the professional game: tens of thousands reached, and measurable gains in wellbeing and confidence.
Source: Matchroom Boxing https://www.matchroomboxing.com/news/matchroom-boxing-and-empire-fighting-chance-partnership-has-helped-over-70-clubs-generate-7-2m-for-local-communities/