Legends in the making: Matchroom and Legends Life Foundation empower Aussie boxing’s future champions

Matchroom in the Community and Legends Life Foundation joined forces this week to host an unforgettable event at Legends Gym in Sydney, New South Wales – the very place where George Kambosos Jr. began his boxing journey.

The event, held at the iconic gym in Kensington, brought together aspiring young boxers and some of the sport’s biggest names to inspire the next generation and show them that they too can follow in the footsteps of their boxing heroes.

Kambosos Jr., the former Undisputed World Champion, stepping up to Super-Lightweight for the first time against Aussie rival Jake Wyllie, was joined at the gym by his opponent, as the two took part in a lively first Face-Off in front of a raucous and energetic Legends crowd.

Saturday’s show – live worldwide on DAZN and sponsored by Riyadh Season – sees Kambosos Jr. and Wyllie do battle at Sydney’s Qudos Arena, with both men looking to lay down a marker for a future world title shot in one of boxing’s hottest, most keenly contested weight divisions.

Matchroom Chairman, Eddie Hearn, WBC Women’s World Featherweight Champion, Skye Nicolson, and WBA Bantamweight Champion, Cherneka Johnson, completed the star-studded lineup – in a day filled with fun, education and community spirit.

Reflecting on his connection to Legends Gym and its impact on young athletes, Kambosos Jr. welcomed the collaboration between the two organisations.

“I am humbled and grateful to be aligning myself with this collaboration between powerhouse promoter Matchroom Boxing and the Legends Life Foundation,” beamed a visibly proud Kambosos Jr.

“We live in a very different world these days and the youth are the future. The Legends Gym has been doing remarkable work for many years and I remember being there early in my career,” he continued.

“I always noticed it was a gym that tried to help troubled youth in the community so I think this initiative will be helpful in other areas in trying to give these kinds of opportunities.”

The event featured an engaging Q&A session with local young people where Kambosos Jr., Nicolson, Johnson and Hearn shared personal stories and insights about their respective experiences in boxing.

They discussed the discipline, resilience and opportunities the sport can provide, aiming to encourage their message of how participation in the sport can help them both inside and outside of the ring.

Following the discussion, Kambosos Jr. surprised everyone in attendance by personally donating $2,000 as a token of his appreciation for the work that Legends Life Foundation do in supporting young athletes. His generous contribution will be used to help further the charity’s mission and provide more opportunities for the next generation to take part in boxing.

Legends Life Foundation’s mission is to support young people in overcoming challenges and building brighter futures through boxing.

By bridging the gap between grassroots and professional sport, they provide access to coaching, financial support and competitive pathways for aspiring athletes, ensuring that talent and determination – regardless of background – are given a chance to shine.

“At Legends Life Foundation, we believe boxing has the power to change lives,” said Edith Rogers, Co-Founder & Managing Director at Legends Life Foundation.

“This collaboration with Matchroom Boxing is a massive step in our mission to get more young people off the streets and into a boxing gym with a positive, disciplined environment where they can grow, learn and thrive,” she continued.

“With the support of Matchroom in the Community, we’re creating real opportunities for the next generation to build brighter futures in and outside the ring.”

Speaking to the assembled media, Matchroom Sport Chairman, Eddie Hearn, was also keen to emphasise the importance of investing in grassroots boxing.

“This sport really does change lives and supporting local communities is more important now than ever,” explained Hearn.

“Everyone starts their journey somewhere, just like George did here. So, it is fitting that we will collaborate with Edith and the team to support the incredible work they are doing. It’s been great to meet everyone.”

Matchroom Boxing’s Head of Community Development, Alex Le Guével, echoed these sentiments.

“This collaboration with Legends Life Foundation is testament to our unwavering commitment to grassroots boxing worldwide,” said Le Guével.

“Our shared vision of empowering young athletes and strengthening local communities has no borders – evident in our work here in Sydney, Australia, arguably as far as you could get from our HQ in Essex,” he continued.

“This event proves that no matter the distance, our dedication to the future of the sport remains as strong as ever.”

The event was an overwhelming success, leaving a profound and lasting impact on the young athletes in attendance.

Matchroom in the Community and Legends Life Foundation continue to stand firmly behind initiatives that provide meaningful opportunities for the next generation, both in and beyond the boxing ring.

For more information on Legends Life Foundation, visit: www.legendslife.org.