Pride in London to hold boxing contest for LGBTQ boxers

A LGBTQ boxing contest is to be held as part of Pride in London for the first time since the march began in 1972.

Organisers are calling for amateur boxers from the LGBTQ community to enter the festival’s first ever queer boxing competition.

LGBTQ boxers of all abilities can sign up for the 10-week training programme ahead of competing in the grand final during the Pride in London festival.

Participants will be matched with opponents of a similar weight, height and fitness level, and receive a ‘fighter profile’ and entrance music for the big fight.

Pride Boxing will take place on June 30 at Porchester Hall as an official Pride in London event and members of the public will be able to watch the big fight.

Tickets for the white collar event are £40 and proceeds will go to Pride in London.

To compete, contestants are asked to pledge £50 via Pride in London’s Golden Giving page. Training begins on April 18 at Cobra Gym Victoria.

Pride Boxing promoter Robbie Cave said: “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.”

Polly Shute, director of development and strategic partnerships at Pride in London, added: “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.

“The aim is to truly represent the LGBT+ community, with as much of a gender balance as possible.”

The Pride in London festival takes place between June 24 and July 9 with community events across the capital – including a virtual online map of LGBTQ love stories – and the march is on Saturday July 8.