Ford backs Must Fight Boxing Club’s mission to reignite Police Activity League in Upper Darby

A packed Wednesday schedule saw the Matchroom team move straight on from their visit to Wissahickon Boys & Girls Club with Boots and Bam in Philadelphia to neighbouring Upper Darby, Delaware County – and the community was abuzz with excitement, as former WBA Featherweight Champion, Raymond Ford, paid a special visit to the Must Fight Boxing Club.

The gym, renowned for its dedication to youth development and community outreach through its successful Police Activity League (PAL), welcomed Ford for an evening of inspiration and mentorship.

Ford, known not only for his skills in the ring, but also for his commitment to giving back, spent time watching a training session led by Head Coach, Dan Mullarkey. He also shared invaluable words of advice with the young boxers, emphasising the importance of discipline, self-belief and resilience.

“The biggest fight isn’t in the ring – it’s in your mind,” Ford told the aspiring champions.

“Dream big, but work even harder. Every champion started where you are now,” he continued.

“Seeing the energy, the hard work and the dedication these kids bring every day – it’s inspiring. I remember being in their shoes, looking up to fighters and dreaming about where boxing could take me… But it’s more than just boxing. These young people are learning discipline, respect and how to face challenges head-on.”

“This gym, with the support of the Police Activity League, is giving them the chance to channel their passion into something positive. I wanted to show them that if you stay focused and keep grinding, you can go all the way. I’m proud to be here and to support their journey.”

The Must Fight Boxing Club has become a cornerstone of its community, offering a safe and constructive space for local youth. For many years, the club has delivered a successful PAL initiative.

However, like many grassroots programmes, the gym faces challenges as it aims to expand its impact. To help bridge the gap, Pedro Neme Jr., Head Coach at the Matchroom Churchill Gym in Santa Monica, flew in to lend his expertise.

Neme, a respected figure in the boxing world, provided strategic advice on how the club could grow and sustain its operations. He also pledged ongoing mentorship to Coach Mullarkey, focusing on strengthening the gym’s programmes and connecting it to larger platforms.

“Must Fight Boxing Club has built an incredible foundation here, offering these young people a place to grow, learn and challenge themselves in a positive environment,” said Neme.

“What Dan Mullarkey and his team are doing through the Police Activity League is vital work – and it’s the kind of community based training that can change lives. I’ve seen it myself with our LEAD programme in Santa Monica,” he continued.

“Our goal at Matchroom Churchill Gym is to help take Must Fight to the next level – not just in terms of facilities and resources, but in connecting them to a larger network and sharing best practices. This means giving guidance on expanding youth programmes, securing sustainable funding and even bringing in world-class trainers to share their insights.”

“I’m here to back Dan and his team however I can, not just with advice, but with real, hands-on support to see these young boxers reach their potential and make this gym a hub of talent and growth for years to come.”

The visit formed part of the larger build-up to the highly anticipated Two Kings event, which will see pound-for-pound stars Jaron “Boots” Ennis and Jesse “Bam” Rodriguez headline a blockbuster fight card. The Must Fight Boxing Club is playing a key role in rallying the local community around the event, further uniting Philadelphia’s rich boxing heritage.

For many of the young fighters, Ford’s visit was a dream come true – and Neme’s support signals new possibilities for the gym’s future.

“This is what it’s all about,” said Dan Mullarkey.

“Seeing these kids inspired and knowing that their hard work is being recognised – it’s priceless.”

As Saturday night approaches, the excitement is palpable, not just for the fights, but for the broader impact these stars and their teams are making at grassroots level. With continued support, the Must Fight Boxing Club looks poised to build champions both inside and outside the ring.