Former featherweight world boxing champ Barry McGuigan showed youngsters how to pull the punches on a visit to the Woodberry Down Youth Hub.
The 52-year old Irish former professional boxer, whose father famously used to Sing Danny Boy before his bouts in the 80s, came to The Edge, in Kayani Avenue to spread the word about the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy’s Boxing for Health Initiative.
Each session includes a pop-up ring for non-contact boxing training, boxing specific foot work to improve agility and bodyweight conditioning circuits, and tips on staying motivated, living a healthier lifestyle and eating right are at hand.
Mr McGuigan said: “Sport has the power to inspire all to make a real difference to their health and lifestyle and it was great to see so many people taking advantage of the Boxing for Heath Initiative.”
As part of the Olympic sporting legacy, the London Legacy Development Corporation will fund two sessions in each of the four boroughs covered by Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park - Waltham Forest, Hackney, Newham and Tower Hamlets.
Dennis Hone, Chief Executive, of the LLDC said: “This summer we start the phased opening of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, with the park fully opening in spring next year, in the meantime we are working with organisations like the Barry McGuigan Boxing Academy and Hackney Council to turn the inspiration from the Games into action and deliver a lasting legacy for east London.”
Hackney Council will fund further sessions which run until July, for more information see www.thebmba.com.
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