Idris Elba presents award to head coach of Double Jab Boxing Club in recognition of his work in the community
BY CALUM FRASER
calum@slpmedia.co.uk
A boxing coach has been recognised for helping children at risk of getting involved in gangs and knife crime with an award presented by actor Idris Elba.
Michael Harris is the head coach of Double Jab Boxing Club in New Cross, which is encouraging hundreds of aspiring Anthony Joshua’s to stay away from crime.
The Angus Street club’s motto is “jab don’t stab.”
He has helped 19 young people with minor criminal records to get into steady employment.
He was given the Points of Light award by film and kickboxing star Idris Elba at Number 10 Downing Street on December 13.
The Peckham resident said: “I feel extremely grateful that my work in the community has been noticed on this level and it is recognition like this that helps spur me on to make a change.
“I also want to use this opportunity not only to thank all my young fighters for their dedication to themselves but also to reach out to all those other youths in London that feel the overwhelming pressures of the gang and knife crime that plague our streets of London and let them know that there is a place in my boxing club for you.”
Michael offers training and facilities to more than 250 people who use the gym every week The Double Jab Boxing Club was named the London Sport’s Club of the Year 2017, while Michael won the BBC Sports Personality Unsung Hero of the Year 2017. Prince Harry visited the club in 2016 to see the work Michael is doing.