by Nadia Sam-Daliri Boris Johnson put his best fist forward as he struck poses with young boxers during the first ever Mayor s Cup Boxing Competition. The mayor watched from the safety of the stage as young talents danced around the ring

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

Boris Johnson put his best fist forward as he struck poses with young boxers during the first ever Mayor's Cup Boxing Competition.

The mayor watched from the safety of the stage as young talents danced around the ring in the Porchester Hall, Porchester Road, Paddington, on Friday.

He was there to keep a promise to Isola Akay, who runs the All Stars Boxing Gym in Harrow Road, Westbourne Park.

Mr Akay, MBE, told the mayor before the GLA elections that he would organise a tournament if the Tory got into office, as long as he promised to award the winners.

Mr Johnson said: "I'm a huge fan of Mr Akay's. He's a bloody good man. He held me to my promise.

"I'm no boxer myself but I used to take part in a lot of contact sports. It's a fantastic outlet.

"It does the opposite (of encouraging violence). I will do everything in my power reasonably to help All Stars. We're going to have £10 million for sports across London."

Special guest, British boxing heavyweight David Haye, said: "I've known the All Stars for years. I was where all these kids are 18 years ago. Boxing teaches discipline and respect."

The club has attracted the likes of Mike Tyson, Joe Calzaghe and Frank Bruno, who have all trained at the gym since it was opened more than 30 years ago.

But it fell into debt with its private landlord last winter and was close to closing.

Club chairman, David Lieber loaned it £84,000 but the club still relies on volunteers and limited funding.

Mr Akay said: "I'm hopeful this will raise our profile so everyone sees what we do. It's natural for young people to have aggression but they need somewhere to channel their energy.

"If they don't do something about youth violence it will become a big problem."

One of the night's performers, Aaron Abrahams, 17, travels to the club from south London.

He said: "There's a good atmosphere. It keeps people doing something and stops them getting into trouble."

The mayor thanked Mr Akay, crediting him for encouraging him take an interest in boxing.

Alongside cheers, and the odd boo from the crowd, Mr Johnson said the sport gives kids a sense of rules, discipline and self-worth.

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk