Ismael Khan Honoured for Anti-Knife Crime Work

Ismael Khan of Untouchable Boxing Academy has recently received a community Award at Bradford City Hall for supporting young people and tackling knife crime.

The Yorkshire-based mentor was presented with the accolade by Council officials and senior representatives, most notably a Chief Inspector who praised his work for his ‘Knivez Down, Glovez Up’ campaign, which is aimed at keeping youngsters away from a life of crime via boxing.

Khan has run the movement for over five years without support or external funding. Speaking on the impressive project, he said: “I’m doing the campaign to take the kids off the streets and get them into the gym. Give them a better life.”

“One of my boxers, when he first came in, he didn’t want to talk and was really scared. He’s now confident, talkative and he’s even won a Yorkshire title after just a few bouts. When I look at what I’m doing for the community, I’m helping kids and saving lives. I’m proud of myself.”

Witnessing the transformation of young people is what drives Khan to continue and he also tends to work alongside the police and community leaders.

His gym serves as a surrender point for weapons, which allows local kids to hand in knives without fear of repercussions – which are then passed onto the police.

“We’ve taken a lot of knives and even machetes off the streets,” he commented, adding that many young people carry weapons out of fear rather than intent.

When asked about receiving the award, he said: “They invited me down and asked me questions about the work I do. I didn’t expect it, but it means a lot.”

He now believes the win will help him to raise awareness for the campaign and gain further support from those in his local community.

To learn more about Khan and Untouchable Boxing Academy, click here. For Knivez Down, Glovez Up click here.