Boxing superstars launch gym at Moss Side Fire Station

British boxing legends Amir Khan, David Haye and Ricky Hatton supported the event.

On Thursday 12th June 2008 Boxing superstars Ricky Hatton, Amir Khan and David Haye helped celebrate the official opening of a dedicated boxer training facility at Moss Side Fire Station for local young people.

A number of other popular local fighters including Jamie Moor, John Murray and Joe Murray were also at the event.

This is the third boxing event that the firefighters from Moss Side have organised for the young people in the area. This project was designed to engage with them, provide a safe and structured environment to learn the skills of boxing as well as educating them on fire safety issues , the dangers of fire setting and some of the dangers that all the community face when firefighters are attacked. The scheme is also planned to be used to assist other agencies in projects they are running in the area.

Graham Plant, Manchester South Borough Commander for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said about the event, "Moss Side is a very diverse area, culturally with many social and economic conditions that are unique; these factors have produced a youth culture where gang involvement and crime is an all too real danger for many young people. By providing these training facilities and working with the community groups in the area we believe we can have a positive influence on the young people who are drawn by the kudos of boxing, increasing their self esteem and helping to form citizens of the future, whilst having ambassadors for the fire service on the streets of Moss Side".