Manchester youth swap seats for the spotlight at AO Arena community boxing celebration

Big fight fever hit Manchester early last night, as over 100 local youngsters descended on the AO Arena for a unique Matchroom in the Community event designed to inspire, engage and showcase the power of boxing to change lives.

With Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank set to collide in the very same arena on Saturday 5th July – live worldwide on DAZN – a stacked line-up of British boxing talent turned out to support the youth-focused activation, hosted in collaboration with national sport-for-development charity StreetGames.

Local hero and former World Champion Anthony Crolla was joined by his younger brother William – who fights on next weekend’s card – along with local prospect Alfie Middlemiss, former WBO Lightweight Champion Rhiannon Dixon and British & Commonwealth Middleweight King Kieron Conway. Joining the fighters was renowned Trainer Jamie Moore, also on hand to lend his star power and insight to the occasion.

The event marked the official launch of Matchroom’s partnership with StreetGames, which this year will see 12 locally trusted organisations (LTOs) across the North West integrate non-contact boxing activities into their regular Doorstep Sport provision – helping to engage young people aged 14-25 from low-income and underserved communities.

“This event was all about showcasing the power of boxing beyond the ring,” said Alex Le Guével, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing.

“Through our partnership with StreetGames, we’re committed to ensuring that young people across the North West can access safe, positive and fun opportunities to try the sport – whether that’s through pads, VR or a punch machine,” he continued.

“With support from passionate clubs and coaches, this programme will help create real pathways for participation.”

Representatives from the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit were also in attendance, recognising the vital role that sport – and boxing in particular – can play in preventing youth violence and supporting young people to make positive life choices.

Their presence underlined the shared commitment between Matchroom, StreetGames and regional partners to create safer, stronger communities through accessible grassroots opportunities.

Throughout the evening, participants rotated through a high-energy series of boxing-themed stations – from virtual reality boxing with Golden Gloves VR in a specially designed Matchroom x StreetGames arena, to a boxing fundamentals workshop delivered by Collyhurst & Moston ABC and a competitive punch machine challenge to test their power.

Young people were also given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the AO Arena, led by the Crolla brothers. From Anthony’s memories of sell-out world title nights to William’s ambitions of following in his brother’s footsteps, it was a moment of real inspiration for the next generation.

“Being back here, but on the other side of the ropes, showing these young kids around a place that changed my life – that’s special,” said Anthony Crolla.

“Boxing gave me structure, purpose and pride – and I know how important it is to create those same chances for others.”

“I grew up watching my brother box here,” added William Crolla.

“To be fighting on this card next week is a dream come true – and if I can help inspire even one young person here tonight, then that’s a win.”

The event forms part of a wider rollout of StreetGames’ Doorstep Sport programmes, supported by Matchroom to ensure boxing becomes a vehicle for local development and youth engagement across Manchester and beyond.

“This partnership with Matchroom Boxing gives us a fantastic platform to engage young people in boxing in a way that is fun, inclusive and tailored to their needs,” said Craig McFadyen, Sports Partnerships & Inspiration Campaign Manager at StreetGames.

“With support for 12 of our LTOs in the North West, we’re seeing real commitment to communities that need it most – and nights like tonight show just what’s possible when sport is made truly accessible.”

The event offered a powerful snapshot of what boxing can do when placed at the heart of the community – bringing together young people, professional fighters, coaches and partners to create an experience that was as inspiring as it was engaging. From hands-on activities to behind-the-scenes arena access, it marked an important first step in delivering long-term impact through the Matchroom x StreetGames partnership.

With the stage now set, all eyes turn to next week, when Jack Catterall and Harlem Eubank headline a blockbuster night of boxing at the AO Arena.

The energy from tonight’s event will undoubtedly carry forward into fight week – as Manchester’s boxing legacy continues to grow, both in and out of the ring.