The Manchester Box Cup just got its biggest boost yet. BOXXER, the UK’s most disruptive boxing promoter, has stepped in as a lead partner for the rapidly growing amateur tournament. The two-day event, taking place in Manchester, will culminate with the finals streaming live on Sky Sports on Sunday, May 25 — marking a massive leap forward for grassroots boxing visibility in Britain.
Founded by David Pownall in 2022, the Box Cup has become a proving ground for the sport’s next wave. Backed by BOXXER and Sky Sports in partnership with Champion apparel, this year’s edition aims to blend community-driven development with national spotlight. And with appearances by current BOXXER pros like Frazer Clarke, Callum Simpson, and Karriss Artingstall, the message is loud and clear: this is where the next champions are made.
Why is BOXXER getting involved?
Ben Shalom, founder and CEO of BOXXER, says this move is personal. As a Manchester native, he sees this as more than just another event. It’s about returning to the roots of the sport and investing where it matters most — amateur clubs.
“Manchester has always been the beating heart of British boxing,” Shalom said. “We’ve never forgotten where we started. From day one, BOXXER’s mission has been to create opportunities and elevate the sport at every level. The Box Cup is a celebration of all of that — it’s real, it’s raw, and it’s what boxing needs.”
And BOXXER isn’t just slapping a logo on the poster. They’re launching a full digital campaign, “The Future Fights Here,” pushing content across their channels with 2 million+ followers. Champion is supplying official gear for fighters, and their pro talent is turning up in person. It’s an all-in push that goes well beyond lip service.
Why this matters for UK boxing
David Pownall, founder of the Manchester Box Cup, didn’t hold back on what this means: “This is a game-changing moment in grassroots boxing history.”
He’s not wrong. The finals streaming on Sky Sports brings amateur boxing into living rooms nationwide — a stage these young fighters rarely get.
And when a name like Frazer Clarke is backing it, it’s more than just noise. “I know how important tournaments like these are,” Clarke said. “This is where champions are made.”
This isn’t just an amateur tournament anymore. It’s a national scouting ground. And if BOXXER has its way, the next wave of British stars will be forged right here, under the lights and in front of the cameras.
Finals Date: Sunday, May 25
Location: Manchester
Streamed: Live on Sky Sports
Presented by: BOXXER, Sky Sports Boxing, Champion
More info: @BOXXER social channels
Next gen’s coming. You watching or what?
Oh cool now Sky Sport gonna turn amteur fight into Netflix docu-seriez 🙄 “Boxing: The Middle School Years” starring lil Timmy in headgear lolol give me break brit sport gone reality tv 😂😂
@Adam88 HAHAHA bro i picturin that rn 😂😂 would watch tho ngl, as long as Timmy got good footwork and drama wit his coach lmao
“Game-chang moment” indeed!! 👏👏 Youngsters gttin real chance at spotlight that used to b only for pros. Amatuer need dis push & if BoXXer keep it up we cud see next AJ soon 💥🥊
(Info dump alert)👩🏫 Actualy this type of partnership between promoterz and amateur eventz isn’t new globally, but in UK context it’s a meaningful devlopment esp with Sky’s platform reach—over 12m subscriber homes!
*Raises eyebrow* So now evryone suddenly care bout grassroots 😂 Next ting u kno McDonalds sponsers youth olympix too cuz ‘they love da kids’ 🙄 bunch of marketing drama if u ask me.
@Suzanne19 fr tho 🤣 same ppl that ignor smal clubs all year now show up wit camera n merch sayin ‘we always support amateur box’. It’s fakery with glitter sprinkled!
“This iz where champion are made”? No, this where TV execs make money 🤑 – next ting you know dey sellin pay-per-view for under-16s fightzz 💅 But sure… do it ‘for the community.’ LOL
Very impressed by dis move by BOXXER n SkySportz! 🤩 They finaly givin amature fighters shine like dey deserve. This cud be life changin for many young ppl chasing the dream in ring 🥊
this is gr8 but also kinda fishy😒, why now BOXXER care so much? they been round long time an suddenly they remmber ‘roots’? like bruh come on, maybe its just PR stunt 4 TV ratings.
U got point but stil, if it help the kids get screen time an exposure den it ain’t bad. sumthin good can still come from they motives bein shady.
Bro u wildin 😆 it’s literally a boxing tournement not illuminaty. Let them box in peace fam 💪