A boxing gym owner is making a difference in the Notting Hill community by creating a safe yet fun platform for young individuals to help with recurring issues in disadvantaged areas, such as knife and gang-related crime.
This platform is part of a wider mission from Odera Okwuosa’s, 24, Odzboxfit to divert people off the street and into boxing to improve discipline through sporting goals.
Okwuosa set up Odzboxfit during the first lockdown when gyms had closed and wanted to provide a service where people could stay fit, which has since expanded into full-blown sports promotion events.
He said: “Depression rates were high and mental health issues were on the rise, I just thought it would help a lot of people that were suffering.”
The success of his early project transpired into his first ‘All or Nothing’ fight night event in May that boasted a sold out venue and Odzboxfit returns with a follow-up show this weekend.
The event will be held on the 13th November at the Tabernacle in Notting Hill, named ‘The Judgement Day’, and will feature 13 fights as well as performances and awards.
Okwuosa is keen to show the incredible benefits that boxing can have on individuals’ mental and emotional wellbeing due to personal experience of using boxing as an escape from personal battles.
He said: “I had anorexia when I was 14 so I was very weak at that point. Physical sport was hard for me because I was significantly underweight.
“It was a time where I could’ve literally lost my life if I didn’t fix up my health and mental state.
“Since I started boxing, it’s helped keep me on the right track with all areas of my life, especially not getting into the wrong crowd because it taught me that training was a way out.”
The promoter has had an impressive boxing career, achieving London Champion three times, an East Midlands title and Leicester University Champion.
“I believe our platform really helps get them on a path to succeed in boxing. Both if you wanna turn professional or even if you just want to do it for fitness.
“After our last event people were very impressed and we have some big names interested.
“Attracting the likes of Antony Joshua, who has promoted it alongside other well-known boxers such as Hasim Rahman.”
Ryan Jack is a cruiserweight boxer and is one of Okwuosa’s main fighters on the card.
Having never boxed before last year, he is amazed at how the sport has become such a big part of his life.
He said: “For me this has honestly become more than I ever thought it would, every waking moment has turned into me thinking about my fight.”
Jack fought at the last event against Diamond Adam where he put the loss down to inexperience, but is more prepared for his next bout which will be a rematch.
“Unfortunately I didn’t win so that was disappointing, naturally the best way to deal with it was to get straight back into it,” he said.
Okwuosa has taken Jack through his training camps ahead of the fight and the pair have built more than just a professional bond.
“In terms of Odz as a person and what he’s trying to do… I just believe in him,” he said.
“He was just my PT but I do genuinely class him as one of my close friends now, I trust his guidance completely and there’s no limits to how far he can go with this.
“I am confident it’s gonna be a different story this time around and there’s a lot on the line… is it bravery or stupidity? We are gonna find out.”
Also fighting in the co-main event is George ‘Eze’ Ezekiel, 21, in three rounds of three minutes for the OBF cruiserweight championship belt.
Eze won his last fight at the first event by decision, and will also fight a rematch.
Although both boxers came into the event fairly new to the sport, six months of training camps later there’s no excuses.
Eze claimed: “The best man will win, now I can really show people my true skills as a boxer.”
He approached Okwuosa in the gym earlier this year and within the same week came the opportunity for a fight in the first show.
“People think I’m crazy because I had a week to prepare and get my mind around fighting,” he said.
“Without Odz I wouldn’t have made a turn around so quickly. The way I’ve progressed as a boxer is crazy.
“The training he has put on makes me feel like I’m progressing not only in health but as a person. It’s an upwards journey I’m on now.”
Eze, like Jack, admires what Okwuosa is trying to do by putting people on a positive pathway through sport.
“Especially with someone like me, there’s a lot of distractions right now but I’m fully focused on becoming a better person and a better boxer.
“When you get to my age there’s a lot of things that can set you onto a negative path, but I feel like I’m living within my purpose by doing this,” he added.
Speaking about the event, Okwuosa has assured: “Everyone that’s purchased a ticket you’re in for a real treat.”
Tickets are available online here. You can also purchase through the @odzboxfit Instagram.
Featured image credit: Odera Okwuosa
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So proud of Odzboxfits accomplishments in just two years!! Keep soaring!