The next chapter: Team Yafai take over at Birmingham City Boxing Club

The historic Birmingham City Boxing Club, nestled in the heart of Sparkhill, is entering a new chapter under the leadership of boxing champions Kal, Gamal and Galal Yafai. Following the retirement of the legendary Frank O’Sullivan MBE, who dedicated an astounding 69 years to the club, the Yafai brothers – World, European and Olympic champions respectively – are stepping in to continue his remarkable legacy.

For nearly seven decades, O’Sullivan not only built Birmingham City Boxing Club into a prestigious boxing institution, but also shaped the lives of countless young people in the city. Known for his commitment to discipline, character-building and unyielding support for the young boxers who trained under his guidance, O’Sullivan’s influence is woven deeply into the club’s identity. As he steps down, he leaves the club in capable hands, with the Yafai brothers – who grew up just a stone’s throw away from the club themselves – more than ready to lead the club into a new era.

Reflecting on their deep-rooted connection to the club and their commitment to giving back, Galal Yafai spoke passionately about the significance of taking over Birmingham City Boxing Club alongside his brothers, Kal and Gamal.

“We lived and grew up next door really. It’s an unbelievable gym; it’s old school, it’s like a Rocky gym – and it’s nice that we can help people by bringing them in the gym,” recalled the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medallist.

“It’s so important that young people are in these gyms. It’s obviously easy for me to say because I did it – and not everyone’s going to be a champion, or do boxing for the rest of their lives, but it can help you in just getting off the street, meeting new kids and getting a bit of confidence,” he continued.

“We wanted to give back. Our old coach, Frank, he’s 89 now – he’s getting on and he’s not been very well, so we thought ‘who’s better to take over the gym and to help the kids’. My brothers are retired now, so it’s good for them, they can do it more full-time than me – but I’m always here. I’ll always come back whenever I need to.”

“It’s good to have the big fight next week in Birmingham. We’ve got the Matchroom team here helping the kids, creating a buzz and hopefully we can continue to do that in the future.”

Forever grateful to his mentor, former WBA Super-Flyweight Champion, Kal Yafai, also spoke with pride at being handed the task of continuing his O’Sullivan’s legacy when addressing junior club members.

“It’s been great to come back. Achieving what we did as amateurs – European Medallists, World Medallists, Olympians – and then Galal becoming Olympic Champion, Gamal was a European Champion as a pro and and myself a World Champion… It’s just unbelievable to come back here,” said Yafai, the former WBA Super Flyweight Champion.

“For you guys, I just think it’s a huge opportunity. We lived across the road, we come from this boxing club, Frank trained us all – and what we’ve gone on to achieve as boxers, there’s just no reason at all why you guys can’t do it as well.”

With Birmingham City Council recently announcing a drastic £100 million funding reduction to services for children, young people and families amid financial distress, the timing of the Yafai brothers’ leadership couldn’t be more crucial. Driven by their passion for both boxing and community, the Yafais are committed to providing a safe and inspiring space for local youth. Through boxing, fitness and mentoring programmes, the brothers aim to empower young people from Sparkhill and surrounding areas, giving them opportunities to build confidence, resilience and skills for a brighter future.

These efforts are aligned with the My Tomorrow campaign, which addresses the challenges of postcode stigma across Birmingham. By standing as positive role models from Sparkhill who have achieved global success, the Yafai brothers are proof that no matter where you come from, dreams are achievable with dedication and hard work.

Highlighting the critical role amateur boxing clubs play in supporting young people’s development, Chris Webb MP, Vice Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing, emphasised the need for increased backing.

“I’m really passionate about boxing, I’m a mad fan and have been all my life, but I know the power that amateur gyms like this have in the community – and particularly with young people,” stated Webb.

“They’re vehicles for change in our communities, tackling knife crime and antisocial behaviour, but also supporting young people with their mental health, physical health and being there as part of a family,” he continued.

“We need to support gyms like this. It’s great what’s happening here today. It’s great the work that Matchroom in the Community do, we need to do more right across this country – and that’s what I’m fighting for in Parliament.”

With a sign on the walls of the club reading, “The pride and talent of Birmingham City Boxing Club is entrusted to the brave and courageous,” it’s safe to say that its future is firmly in the right hands and that Birmingham City’s legacy of nurturing young talent is set to thrive. The brothers’ commitment to providing opportunities for local youngsters ensures the club will remain a beacon of hope and inspiration in the community.

As Galal Yafai prepares for his high stakes showdown with Sunny Edwards on Saturday 30th November, the spirit of Birmingham City Boxing Club – built on bravery and courage – will undoubtedly be carried into the ring, reflecting the enduring legacy of both the gym and its champions.

Edwards vs Yafai headlines a stacked undercard featuring a mix of established contenders and rising stars. All-action welterweight Conah Walker takes on Lewis Ritson, while Kieron Conway faces Ryan Kelly for the Commonwealth Middleweight Title. Unbeaten prospect Cameron Vuong steps up against seasoned lightweight Gavin Gwynne – and exciting flyweight Hamza Uddin meets Benn Norman.

In a clash for the English Light-Heavyweight Title, Birmingham’s Troy Jones squares off with Michael Stephenson. Local talent Ibraheem Sulaimaan faces Marvin Solano, Coventry middleweight Aaron Bowen returns against James Todd and Matchroom’s newest signing, Taylor Bevan, makes his professional debut against Greg O’Neill.