Speaking during a visit to SWAN Secretariat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Founder of Empire Fighting Chance, Mr. Martin Bisp, said the organisation chose to partner with SWAN because of its reputation and shared commitment to transforming young people's lives.
According to him, the organisation uses boxing not just as a competitive sport but as a platform to engage young people involved in gang activities, violence and mental health challenges.
"Our programme uses boxing, underpinned by psychology, to engage young people involved in gangs, violence and those struggling with their mental health. We help them remain in education, secure employment and move away from negative environments," he said.
Martin explained that boxing gyms provide a welcoming environment that breaks down social barriers, giving young people a sense of belonging while exposing them to life-changing opportunities.
He noted that although only a few participants eventually become competitive boxers, thousands benefit from the discipline, mentorship and personal development offered through the programme.
The Fight for Peace official disclosed that the initiative, which started in Bristol City, England, has expanded to about 150 organisations across the United Kingdom, with participating boxing clubs independently delivering the programme in their communities.
"Our greatest achievement is that these organisations no longer depend on us. Even if Fight for Peace ceased to exist tomorrow, those communities would continue saving lives. That is the legacy we want to leave behind," he said.
Martin added that the organisation is already operating in Canada and hopes to establish a similar sustainable model in Nigeria through its partnership with SWAN.
As part of the collaboration, he revealed that the delegation brought seven suitcases of boxing equipment, donated by Nigerian-born former world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, to support the programme's launch.
Also speaking, Alex, Head of Community Development at Matchroom Boxing, described the visit as an honour, saying the organisation is committed to using sport to unite communities and create lasting social impact.
"Our responsibility is not only to organise world-class boxing events but also to connect those events with communities and leave a lasting legacy through sport," he said.
Alex praised Anthony Joshua for transforming boxing globally and serving as a positive role model for young people.
"Anthony Joshua is someone whose values and character represent everything we want young people to aspire to. We are proud of everything he has achieved both inside and outside the ring," he said.
He noted that returning to Ogun State, where Joshua's family has its roots, made the visit particularly significant.
Alex said the donated equipment—including boxing gloves, punch pads, gum shields and other training materials—would enable the programme to begin immediately after the training sessions.
"We want to provide the equipment so that the Peace Initiative Network (PIN) team can start implementing the programme straight away. We'll continue supporting the team as they develop boxing as a tool for transforming communities," he added.
The delegation said participants would receive practical training on the Fight for Peace model, with the long-term goal of equipping local boxing clubs and community organisations to independently sustain the peacebuilding initiative across Nigeria.
Also speaking, the Peace Initiative Network facilitator, Mr. Femi Sodipo said Abeokuta is strengthening its position as a leading city for peacebuilding through international partnerships and sports development.
Mr. Sodipo described the visit by delegates from the United States and the United Kingdom to Abeokuta as a major milestone in their efforts to translate their commitment into lasting community impact.
He expressed optimism that the collaboration with Empire Fighting Chance and Peace Initiative Network in the Cities would promote peace through sports, youth engagement, and international cooperation.
Mr. Sodipo noted that Abeokuta is also hosting Nigeria's first non-contact boxing programme, aimed at using sport as a tool for peace and social development.
He added that the Peace Initiative Network has been appointed to coordinate the inaugural SWAN National Peace Cup and would continue to work with stakeholders to promote peace through sports and community engagement.
According to him, the peace initiative is designed as a multi-stakeholder effort, bringing together government institutions, civil society organisations, journalists, sports associations, and international partners to build safer and more inclusive communities.
Earlier, the Ogun State SWAN Chairman, Comrade Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji had reaffirmed the commitment of the association to promote peace through responsible sports journalism.
He noted that sports journalists have responsibilities to report accurately, objectively, and responsibly to prevent misinformation that could fuel conflict.
The SWAN chairman called for stronger partnerships with international organisations, including Empire Fighting Chance, to improve the capacity of Nigerian sports journalists through exchange programmes and professional training.
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