FORMER Commonwealth champions Michael Watson and John Conteh have given their seal of approval to the facilities at Oxford Stadium.
The retired duo were special guests at Sandy Lane to celebrate the return of the much-loved venue and promote some joint-charity fundraising work.
Watson and Conteh visited the team at the Frank Bruno Foundation and Blackbird Leys ABC, who are both based at the stadium.
The charity will operate a wellbeing centre for the community at the Cowley site, while the latter is Oxford’s longest-running boxing club.
Conteh said: “The work they have done on the stadium is amazing, after ten years of closure they have done a fantastic job at transforming it.
“The stadium has given the Frank Bruno Foundation a home and given the local boxing club a place to train.
“It’s so important for the young people in the community to get this opportunity.”
Blackbird Leys ABC previously operated from Blackbird Leys Community Centre but faced closure while major plans to regenerate the popular site and its facilities were carried out.
From left: John Conteh, Michael Watson and Oxford Stadium managing director Kevin Boothby Picture: Fortitude Communications
Watson said: “Boxing keeps young people out of trouble, off the streets and occupied. It also teaches them the importance of hard work.
“The gym is marvellous – the Michael Watson of the future might even get his start here.”
He added: “What they are doing here is fantastic for the community. Since my injury, I have dedicated all my time to giving back to charities and organisations that were a support to me and continue to support others in need.”
The venue is backing the boxers’ charity work, including efforts to fundraise for Great Ormond Street Hospital and Sporting Brain Injuries.
Watson was the Commonwealth middleweight boxing champion from 1989 to 1991.
His career was cut short by a near-fatal injury sustained during a bout with Chris Eubank for the WBO super-middleweight title in 1991.
Conteh was the WBC light-heavyweight champion from 1974 to 1978, and held European, British and Commonwealth titles between 1973 and 1974.
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