HORN’S BIGGEST FIGHT YET
BOXING superstar Jeff Horn is in the “biggest fight of his life”, and yesterday took to the state’s fiercest-fought election battleground to make his voice heard.
Horn is the ambassador for AMAYDA Leadership Development Programs, an anti-bullying program for primary school-age children, co-founded by longtime friend Frank Mechler.
Both men made a pit-stop visit to Townsville to call for support in rolling out their programs, which they believe could stem youth crime at its roots, two days out from the state election.
Insisting the push for campaign support was not about becoming politically aligned, Horn said he wanted to find out who would stand with him.
“Labor have been a great supporter of mine in the past, but we’re here to get any support because it’s all about the community and to help kids’ lives,” he said.
“We’ve seen great results helping kids’ lives and turning people around.
“We’ve had surveys after every course and the results are absolutely amazing.
“There’s a lot of anti-bullying things going around, but there’s nothing that gets in front of kids and gives them the confidence like this program does.”
Horn’s battle with bullying is well documented, the former world champion not shying away from the fact schoolyard bullying led him to suicidal and selfharming thoughts before finding his confidence in the boxing ring.
Mr Mechler said having Horn in his corner had helped garner support, while One Nation senator Pauline Hanson had also previously backed the program.
“Who’s going to step up, who’s going to stand with us in the fight against bullying?” he said.
“Who’s going to stand with the Townsville community and really tackle youth crime where it starts?”