Community

Forging the NXTGEN: Matchroom stars inspire future champions at Longs ABC

January 27 2025

In the Community: Longs ABC, Chelmsford

As anticipation builds ahead of a thrilling night of NXTGEN boxing at indigo @ The O2 on Friday evening, Matchroom fighters George Liddard and Jimmy Sains – flanked by former Interim Super-Middleweight World Champion turned Trainer, John Ryder – took time out of their busy schedules to visit Longs ABC in Chelmsford.

Their mission? To inspire the next generation of boxing talent and kickstart fight week with an unforgettable experience for the local community.

Around 30 boxers from Longs ABC were in attendance, relishing the rare opportunity to meet their heroes, train alongside them and receive words of encouragement from some of the best young talent in the sport.

The energy in the gym was electric as the aspiring fighters sharpened their skills under the watchful eyes of Liddard, Sains and Ryder, who shared insights into their own journeys and the dedication required to succeed in the ring.

Each youngster left not only with a Matchroom t-shirt, but also with lasting memories and motivation to chase their dreams.

It was humbling to see some of the kids I've brought through training next to some of these future superstars.

- Billy Long

Speaking to the assembled media, Billy Long, Head Coach at Longs ABC expressed his gratitude for the visit, as well as reflecting on some of his own sparring experiences with John Ryder!

“Firstly, thank you for coming! It’s been nice to see John, because I used to spar with John – helping him out, more so being a bit of a punchbag, do you know what I mean?! But yeah, I used to help John out and it was nice to see two young prospects who are really doing well under Matchroom Boxing in Jimmy and George,” beamed an enthusiastic Long.

“It was really good, it was a little bit humbling to see some of the kids I’ve trained and brought through to train next to some of them future superstars – and even having John padding my own son, it was a bit of a strange little moment,” he continued.

“It’s ultra important for these youngsters to speak to the fighters about their experiences in the amateurs. John had loads of fights as an amateur, but I don’t think he won nearly as much there as he did as a pro. I always say to the kids, ‘Try and do as much as you can as an amateur. Go and get as well schooled as you can’. As an amateur boxer it’s so important to lose.”

“We talk about winning, winning, winning, but as an amateur boxer it’s so important to lose – because you learn from your loss. Your attitude from that loss is what’s going to determine the outcome, create and shape you – and Jimmy and George agreed.”

Billy Long Jr - Young Sports Personality of the Year

This visit was particularly special as it also provided a chance to celebrate the achievements of Billy Long Jr, who recently won the Young Sports Personality of the Year award at the 2024 Essex Activity Awards – an award which was sponsored by Matchroom.

Organised by Active Essex, the prestigious event highlighted the outstanding contributions made by individuals, communities, schools, clubs and workplaces that inspire and promote the importance of physical activity and movement in Essex. The ceremony recognised those who have made significant strides in encouraging healthier lifestyles and making sport accessible for all – as well as those excelling in their chosen sporting field.

A standout talent from Longs ABC, Billy had an incredible year, earning the prestigious title of Boxer of the Tournament on his way to becoming EUBC Schools European Champion.

Recognising his achievements alongside his clubmates reinforced Matchroom’s commitment to supporting grassroots boxing and nurturing the next wave of champions.

I have the vision of making boxing in Chelmsford for everyone.

- Billy Long

Beyond celebrating individual successes, the visit also highlighted the essential role boxing plays in engaging young people from diverse and often marginalised backgrounds.

Longs ABC, like many community boxing gyms across the UK, provides a safe and structured environment where young athletes can develop discipline, resilience and confidence – qualities that extend far beyond the ring.

“It’s great for us to know that we’re giving people more than just fighting. I have the vision of making boxing in Chelmsford for everyone,” explained Long, proudly detailing the impact his gym has on the local community.

“We started an inclusive boxing programme for kids with Down’s syndrome, autism and other additional needs. We do that every week now and it’s been absolutely incredible. It’s probably more rewarding than any win I’ve had with a kid, because of how I feel knowing that they’d have likely never been given an opportunity to box if it wasn’t for me,” he continued.

“It’s lovely to get a kid their win, but to know I’m genuinely touching and changing lives through boxing, that’s a bit more rewarding for me.”

By connecting boxing’s rising stars with local talent, we continue to invest in the sport’s future, ensuring that aspiring boxers have the inspiration and support they need to reach their full potential.

Through initiatives like Matchroom in the Community, we help young fighters develop not only their technical skills, but also the discipline, work ethic and mental resilience required to succeed both inside and outside the ring. These experiences bridge the gap between grassroots boxing and the professional stage, offering invaluable guidance and motivation to those hoping to follow in the footsteps of their idols.

I'm glad to see Matchroom are getting behind the community more.

- George Liddard

Echoing these sentiments was Friday’s headline attraction, George Liddard, who spoke passionately about the role boxing played in his adolescent journey.

“The minute you walk in these amateur gyms you see young hungry kids looking to make a name for themselves in this world and I think we need more of that,” explained Liddard.

“Seeing the dedication and the discipline that these kids have, I remember being there training every day, going to school then coming to the gym – it’s not easy – and the discipline that boxing instils in them is amazing,” he continued.

“I’m glad to see Matchroom are getting behind the community more, it’s great to see!”

The passion and determination seen at Longs ABC serve as a powerful reminder of the sport’s enduring impact on communities across the country. Beyond developing athletes, boxing provides young people with structure, confidence and a sense of belonging, often acting as a lifeline for those facing adversity.

The dedication shown by both the boxers and their coaches at Longs ABC is a testament to the transformative power of the sport, reinforcing why continued investment in grassroots boxing is essential for fostering the champions of tomorrow.

With attention now turning to Friday night, Liddard aims to claim the first professional title of his career against Derrick Osaze. The Essex native fights for the Commonwealth Silver Title at indigo @ The O2 – live worldwide on DAZN – promising another destructive performance, following eye-catching stoppage wins over George Davey and Omar Nguale Ilunga at the end of 2024.

Liddard v Osaze headlines Matchroom’s first NXTGEN card of 2025, where Rotherham talent Junaid Bostan takes on London’s Bilal Fawaz for the English Super-Welterweight crown. Brentwood Middleweight Jimmy Sains faces France’s Pierre Rosadini over eight rounds, while Aldershot Super-Featherweight Giorgio Visioli looks to start the year strong against Mexico’s Francisco Javier Lucero.

Newham Middleweight Leli Buttigieg squares off against Welshman James Todd over six rounds, Cardiff Super-Middleweight Taylor Bevan faces Poland’s Szymon Kajda in his second professional fight, Coinsdale Super-Lightweight Jesse Brandon takes on Estonia’s Semjon Kamanin over six rounds, and Eltham Flyweight Maiseyrose Courtney kicks off the Before The Bell action against Serbia’s Jasmina Nad.