Boxing legend Chris Eubank is backing an anti-knife campaign ahead of a visit to Bothwell this Saturday, April 6.
A Lanarkshire gym have launched an initiative to keep blades out of the hands of youths.
The aim is to curb anti-social behaviour by getting young people in the ring and instilling discipline in them.
Bothwell man Frances Gilluley runs the Fighting Scots Gym in Bellshill and has also invited Eubank to Bothwell Bridge Hotel through his events company FSG promotions.
He said: “At the Fighting Scots Gym we feel very strongly about the impact that knife crime is having on our local community and beyond.
“We are now campaigning, in conjunction with local schools and councillors, to deter people from carrying knives.
“The campaign aims to raise awareness of the consequences that knife crime can have and to instead promote a better lifestyle involving fitness, boxing, self-defence and self-discipline.
“By working together, we can break the cycle and create opportunities.”
The initiative urges youths to not carry a knife or get caught up in gang culture. Instead, it will ask them to pull on the boxing gloves and enjoy a disciplined, safer lifestyle.
Francis and his gym staff will work in conjunction with local schools and councillors to deliver hard-hitting talks to the area’s pupils about the implications of carrying a knife.
It will also see youths being taught boxing skills as well as work to build their confidence, educate them on nutrition and teach them discipline, health, fitness and well-being.
Search for ‘Fighting Scots Gym’ on Facebook to learn more about the campaign.
