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Boxing coach Mikel Nelson and Abdul Basset Ahmedy (right)
A teenage boxer tells how joining a police-run boxing club changed his life after arriving here from Afghanistan 15 months ago.
Abdul Baset Ahmedi, 15, joined Metrobox, based at Holloway’s Sobel Sports Centre, when a coach visited his school in Camden. Since then, he won his first match in October and is set to play his second match later this month.
Ahmedy, who lives with his brother in a hotel while waiting for a permanent home, said his mother and other siblings still live in Afghanistan, but his father recently moved there to bring his remaining siblings. Said he was back.
He now trains three times a week and wants to be a professional boxer when he gets older.
he said: My English was very poor. I couldn’t speak. I started Haverstock School and found a boxing club. I am very happy with Metro Boxing. Everything is very good, people are very nice, coach is very good. I found my purpose in life. ”
He worries that if his family moves, he will have to leave the area and will not be able to join the club.
Camden and Islington Police Officer Tom Hanson Kahn founded the Metrobox Boxing Club in 2020 when lockdowns ended.
While handing out diplomas to students at a graduation party at the Sobel Center last month, he said boxing would make a big difference for them. Having spent a lot of time at the gym, I realized that it can have a huge impact on people’s lives. I realized that there are many natural and positive role models.
Working as a youth engagement officer, he started a boxing club after feeling it was a good way to connect with young people. He now runs two groups, one for elementary school students and another for middle school students. doing. Unlike other boxing clubs, Metrobox is free and all training is provided by police officers (who all gave up their time for free) or volunteers.
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