'Knives down gloves up' Boxing event in Luton has hard hitting message on knife crime

The ‘knives down, gloves up’ initiative is a reflection on “negative perceptions of the town around knife crime and drugs”.

Pressure Promotions organised the fight night at Venue Central, in Leagrave Road, on Saturday (October 17), which involved youngsters seeking to publicise the ‘knives down, gloves up’ message to the wider community.

Attendee and former town mayor Mohammed Riaz said: “Luton, which gained a negative reputation for knife crime and drugs after several young people became victims of stabbings during the past few years, is moving towards a positive transformation now.

“These distressing incidents have severely affected the entire community, as well as surrounding areas, leaving local residents deeply distressed for quite some time.

“To find a solution to this serious issue, business figures, professionals and young people in Luton joined forces to organise a boxing tournament aimed at steering children toward sports activity. These contests were arranged by a group called Pressure Promotions, set up by local youngsters.

“They successfully turned the evening into a highly engaging event, with a significant turnout of community representatives and boxers. The core motto of the event was ‘knives down, gloves up’.

“Attendees hailed the tournament as one of the best they had seen in Luton. Youngster Ahsan Raqeeb, who goes by the alias Mr Pressure, hosted the programme brilliantly, adding an extra spark to the occasion.

“Among the speakers was ex-Challney High School for Boys pupil Billy Schwer, a former British, Commonwealth and European lightweight champion and the IBO world light welterweight champion. He expressed delight at seeing such a large gathering and emphasised the importance of maintaining this unity.

“It was noted that seeing the people and youth of Luton united today gives great hope that knife crime can be eradicated from the town. Speakers stressed that our young people don’t lack talent, but simply need to be encouraged toward sports by parents who must play a vital role in achieving this.”

Also in attendance were town mayor and Independent Alliance Group Beech Hill councillor Javed Hussain, council leader and Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor Amjid Ali, Conservative group leader and Poets councillor Aslam Khan, and ex-mayor Tahir Malik.

Councillor Khan posted on social media afterwards: “It was truly inspiring to see so many young people stepping into the ring, showing incredible skill, discipline, focus, courage and heart.

“Every boxer who took part should be proud of themselves. It was an especially proud moment for me to watch my nephew’s son compete and show his determination in the ring.

“Huge gratitude to the sponsors and everyone involved in organising and supporting this brilliant event. Boxing is about much more than fighting. It’s about giving young people purpose, discipline, confidence and direction.

“Events such as this help keep our youngsters off the streets and give them a positive environment where they can channel their energy, develop their talents and build a better future. Instead of fighting on the streets, they’re learning to compete with respect, discipline and honour inside the ring.”