Ilford boxer on his way to Olympics wants to be an inspiration for younger generation

A young boxer from Ilford who has recently joined the Team GB Olympic team says he wants to be an inspiration to the younger generation.

Beni Mondua, 21, is one of the many success stories from Edmonton Eagles Boxing Club, an organisation with a mission to help local youngsters avoid a life of gangs and crime.

Founded in 2004, the club offers low-cost training sessions as well as free after-school open sessions, where youngsters can try their hand at boxing for the first time.

Beni travels an hour and a half by bus to the club from Ilford for his training sessions.

“I started in an organisation called Box Up Crime, it’s a youth club which gets the kids off the streets and gets them involved with boxing,” he told LondonWorld.

“I then got referred to this club two years later.”

Beni, who doesn’t drink or smoke, says that boxing keeps him focused and out of trouble.

“I can’t party, I can’t chill with my friends, I can’t be doing the wrong stuff, I’ve got to be focused because I don’t want to lose in the ring,” he said.

“I’m trying to stay dedicated to get the victory.”

Costas Evangelou, the founder and head coach of the club said: “We want to give youngsters an outlet and help them develop a positive attitude, to get them away from gang culture, build their confidence and improve themselves.

“We have got a lot of kids here who have fallen out of school and we have seen the positive impact that boxing has had on them.”

A big part of the club is offering opportunities for disadvantaged teenagers living locally, in an area of high social deprivation.

Costas, who was made an MBE in 2019 for his services to young people, said: “Edmonton is one of the most deprived areas of the whole country”

“We subsidise sessions for those aged 19 and under, and after school from 4pm to 5pm they are free.

“We don’t turn anyone away – if they are in financial difficulties we still let them in.”

Beni says he is grateful to have the opportunity to attend the funded programme.

“Getting a free opportunity like this is amazing,” he said.

“I want to reach my full potential - that would be getting more title belts and being an inspiration to the younger generation.”

For more information about Edmonton Eagles Boxing Club:Visit edmontoneaglesabc.com