Boxing gym holds unity event in response to riots

Glyn Rhodes at his boxing gym in Sheffield

A trainer in Sheffield has held a "unity" event to bring people together at his boxing gym in the aftermath of the riots.

Glyn Rhodes said he was affected by seeing "division and hatred" on display in the wake of the killing of three girls in Southport.

The disorder included asylum seekers being removed from a hotel in Rotherham for their own safety after a mob smashed windows and set a bin on fire.

Mr Rhodes said the day was intended to unite those from different cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

He said he already had boxers from "all over the world" using his Sheffield Boxing Centre in Hillsborough and that the facility was an example of community cohesion.

He added: "We're having a get-together to show that we can get along, all different races, all different religions."

Mr Rhodes has run the gym for 30 years and said Nigerian, Moroccan and Asian cuisine would be served at the unity day.

"There will be a group of people from different nations bringing their own food. We're all trying to get to the same place. We have different backgrounds, and as a human race we need to start trying to get along.

"We're not discussing politics or religion. Just a group of people, different races coming together and having a good day," he said.

Former professional boxer Andrew Facey join the community event

Dozens of people joined the get-together including current and former boxers.

Former professional boxer Andrew Facey, who went along, said: "As communities, we're built up on a lot of multi-national immigration so I think someone like Glyn who gets everyone together is perfect."

Mr Rhodes, a former lightweight fighter, received an MBE in 2012 for his work with young people.

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