BY TOBY PORTER
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An entrepreneur and art dealer is taking part in a boxing match to raise vital funds for his local boxing club.
Steven Sulley wants to help save Bromley and Downham Amateur Boxing Club, Valeswood Road – where he started sparring he was just 14.
The match, expected to attract hundreds of spectators, will take place at K2 Leisure Centre, Pease Pottage Hill, Crawley, on March 5, and will see Steven take on opponent, Eri Selcjekaj, with doors opening at 5pm.
Steven took up the sport as a teenager to build his confidence and keep out of trouble as a child.
Having already raised £1,000 for the club through a previous match in 2019 and donated £2,000 to save it from closure in a ceremony attended by the late Prince Phillip, Steven wants to give back once again and show his appreciation for the club.
With a goal to raise an additional £2,000 via a dedicated JustGiving page, all proceeds from the match will be used to encourage local youths to take up boxing, develop skills and stay off the streets, as well as going towards investment in equipment and transport costs for matches.
Steven said: “This club means so much to me, as going there when I was growing up really built my confidence and gave me the right mindset for going into business – it allowed me to better deal with stressful or tough situations and I have a lot to thank the club for.
“I believe in boxing and how it helps kids develop their skills and, most importantly, mindset. It’s the noble art that has valuable teachings, and Bromley & Downham gave me these important characteristics.”
Richard Foster, owner of Bromley and Downham Amateur Boxing Club, said: “Steve took part in his first tournament for Bromley and Downham Amateur Boxing Club in April 2001 and, after he finished boxing for us, he has always stayed in touch.
“Amateur boxing clubs are voluntary run, and without the help of sponsorship and donations our club would not survive. It’s nice that one of our former boxers is putting something back into the club.
“At Bromley and Downham it’s not just about teaching young people how to box, we teach our members discipline, self-respect, confidence and other life skills which hopefully will help them as they grow into adults, trying to keep them on the right path in life.”
For tickets, call: 07513 359405. To donate, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/steven-sulley
Main Picture: Steven boxing