Get Involved in Boxing

Get Involved takes a look at Boxing and the effect it can have on helping people change their lives.

This week's show packs a real punch...

Sky Sports' Get Involved campaign takes a look at Boxing and the effect it can have on helping people change their lives. The boxing clubs of Britain are booming as people of all ages and from all backgrounds benefit from the taking up the noble art of boxing. A recent survey conducted by Sport England revealed that boxing is very popular on these shores, with over 138,000 people partaking in the sport and 12,000 of those involved in competitive bouts. However former cruiserweight champion Johnny Nelson that boxing is not just for the professionals: "You don't have to take this up professionally - it does not have to be a living, it can be a hobby," said Nelson. "Boxing is about self-discipline and self-respect. It is about focussing yourself and being around other's as well. Boxing can change your life around; it helps so many young kids. One person whose life has been changed by boxing is Natasha Jonas who will be looking for gold in the lightweight division at London 2012. "Hopefully we will encourage young girls to get involved in the sport," said Jonas. "They will watch us and will have a go. That is all you want people to do - just come down and give it a go." Even the sports highflyers have to start in a humble local gym and Amir Khan remembers his with fondness. "I loved it so much and was always nagging to go to the boxing gym. The first gym I went to was a small one in a backstreet - it was in a cellar. It was hot and had that smell of blood and sweat - I loved it! For me it felt like home." For more information, visit the Amateur Boxing Association of England (ABAE) website: www.abae.co.uk/aba