ENGLAND BOXING RESPOND

England Boxing address the issues around the divide in the sport, writes Nick Bond

THE CEO of England Boxing, Gethin Jenkins, responded to the fears and misunderstanding about what England Boxing can and can’t do. He also stressed he is reluctant to get into a debate based on what is rumour or simple misinformation. While Jenkins also stressed that EB would welcome back into the fold any clubs that would like to return as some – including Dale Youth – already have. He says:

“At the time of the split there was a lot of misinformation circulated about the reasoning behind the breakaway, much of it in order to justify those proposing to leave. A lot of the reasons for having to ‘bow to the edicts of AIBA’ were due to us having been suspended and thus, amongst other things, not being allowed to receive funding and preventing boxers from participating internationally. Tragically, this meant some missed out and may never have got the chance to represent their country again. It’s ironic that some of those involved at the time of the suspension, and then having to agree to the AIBA terms that are criticised, were later involved in the breakaway. Thankfully, we have moved on.”

HEADGUARDS

“The headguards issue was continually raised, but the bottom line is there is medical evidence to show that concussion decreases when headguards are removed. Initially there were more cuts, but the coaching quickly adapted and there are now less concussions and less cuts, thus making it safer overall. As for the accusation of a lowering of a duty of care, again this doesn’t stand up. For instance, we ensure medicals are undertaken every year, whilst the breakaway promote it as a good thing on their website that they only have medicals every three years.”

DEMOCRACTIC RIGHTS

“As stated, due to mismanagement including by some who are involved in the breakaway, Aba/england Boxing were suspended by both AIBA and Sport England and significant funding withheld. As a result, changes had to be made. The Regions remain and are enshrined in the Articles of the organisation, as well as the rights of membership, to feed into the decision-making process. Boxing can’t stand apart from the wider sporting landscape in this country and these changes are similar to what all sports have had to undertake in order to make sure they comply with good governance rules, including to ensure appropriate gender and BAME representation. Who would disagree with an objective of having transparent and accountable governance?”

FINANCES

“As for Sport England finances, this was/is public money, so where it’s spent is dictated by Sport England, so out of our control. It’s simply not allowed to be paid directly to the clubs, but it does reach grass roots through various means,