More than a fight: How Matchroom and Empire are shaping Belfast’s boxing future

Last week, Aaron Morten, Growth and Development Manager at Empire Fighting Chance, had the privilege of attending fight week in Belfast alongside Matchroom for the highly anticipated welterweight showdown between Lewis Crocker and Paddy Donovan.

Beyond the excitement of fight night, the visit was an opportunity to strengthen Empire’s UK Network partnership with Matchroom, reinforcing their shared mission of supporting grassroots boxing clubs across the United Kingdom. This marked Empire’s first venture into Northern Ireland, expanding their work in a city with a rich boxing heritage.

Belfast is a city where boxing transcends sport, serving as a powerful instrument for social cohesion. Historically, during the Troubles, boxing clubs provided safe spaces, fostering unity and resilience across divided communities.

Throughout the visit, the Empire team engaged with dedicated volunteers who use boxing as a catalyst for change – offering young people structure, purpose and a sense of belonging. The experience reinforced that boxing in Belfast is about more than producing champions; it’s about the sport’s profound and lasting impact on communities and young lives.

Over the course of five days, the team visited six boxing clubs, attended an international duel and experienced an amateur club show, gaining a deeper appreciation for Belfast’s exceptional boxing infrastructure and community-driven support.

Alex Le Guével, Matchroom’s Head of Community Development, shared his thoughts on the visit, reflecting on the deeper significance of boxing in the city.

“Belfast is undoubtedly one of the world’s great fighting cities,” said Le Guével.

“It was an honour to witness firsthand how boxing serves as more than just a sport here – it’s a unifying force that bridges both physical and sectarian divides in a city shaped by its complex and often turbulent past,” he continued.

“The discipline, respect and camaraderie fostered within the boxing community transcend historical divisions, bringing people together in a shared passion for the sweet science.”

Brendan Irvine, the two-time Olympian turned Community Coach with the IABA, also emphasised the sport’s huge influence.

“Belfast is a place where things can be a little chaotic in its communities, but you will always find peace in a boxing club,” stated Irvine.

“Boxing doesn’t divide; it has the power to bring everyone together.”

The visit presented a valuable opportunity for Empire and Matchroom to:

• Understand the local landscape: By visiting six boxing clubs, Empire gained insight into how these clubs serve as vital community hubs in Belfast.
• Present Empire’s offering: Empire and Matchroom introduced their boxing club partner programme, designed to provide clubs with essential resources and training to enhance their outreach and impact.
• Engage with the IABA: Discussions with the National Governing Body for Irish Boxing (IABA) explored potential collaborations to support clubs more effectively.
• Reinforce the Matchroom-Empire alliance: Working alongside Matchroom further solidified the commitment to empowering boxing clubs and fostering sustainable social change across the UK.

Looking ahead, Empire plans to continue discussions with the IABA and Belfast boxing clubs to explore additional support opportunities. As part of this initiative, Empire will invite Belfast clubs to Bristol for an exclusive training experience before the year’s end.

Liam Corr, Belfast Boxing Development Officer at the IABA, welcomed the collaboration.

“It was great having Empire and Matchroom visit Belfast for the Crocker vs. Donovan fight week,” beamed Corr.

“It was fantastic to see their interest in local clubs – and we’ve even had clubs reaching out after their visit. We look forward to working closely with Empire to help clubs operate as efficiently as possible. This visit marks the start of a strong and lasting partnership.”

Alex Le Guével echoed Corr’s sentiment, highlighting the long-term impact of the initiative.

“We now look forward to welcoming a selection of these clubs to Bristol, where they’ll meet the Empire team and gain further guidance,” he said.

“This will drive sustainability and ensure the legacy of the Crocker vs. Donovan fight week extends well beyond the event itself.”

Reflecting on the visit, Aaron Morten shared his enthusiasm.

“It was an exciting week where Alex and I met incredible people from a true boxing city,” said Morten.

“The challenges faced by boxing clubs in Belfast are similar to those we encounter in England. I’m looking forward to sharing our expertise and working together to enhance the fantastic efforts already taking place.”

A huge thank you to all the clubs that open their doors to us throughout the week:

• Clonard Boxing Club
• St Paul’s Boxing Club
• Belfast Kronk ABC
• Sacred Heart Boxing Academy
• Emerald ABC
• Holy Trinity Boxing Club
• Corpus Christi Boxing

Your dedication to the sport and your communities is truly inspiring – and we look forward to continuing this journey together.

For more information on the Matchroom and Empire Fighting Chance UK Boxing Network and how we’re working together to support boxing communities, click here.