2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. Individual's, businesses and athletes alike. In November 2020, the UK Government announced a £300 million stimulus package for the sports industry. The aim of this was to protect the immediate future of spectator sports, combatting the financial void coronavirus has created through empty seats and sports stadiums. Whilst this financial stimulus has been beneficial for many professional sports, amateur boxing, as well as elite boxing, has been excluded from receiving any of this emergency funding.
Frank Warren, owner of Queensbury Promotions, stated that he was "disgusted with the government" with former two-weight world champion Carl Frampton adding that "amateur coaches are having to put their hands in their pockets. It's a shame. Boxing is a working-class sport. You see all the success stories about taking them away from a life of crime. I don't see any help or support coming in at all." As passionate boxing fans ourselves, this has been disappointing to see. This also led Eddie Hearn writing to MPs given the role boxing places in communities.
Nonetheless, Aaron has been training hard throughout lockdown (yes lockdown 1, 2 & 3) and has recently completed a 2-day assessment for entrance into Great Britain's Olympic squad. He now faces one final trial, and if all goes well will be successfully part of Team GB, representing Great Britain against some of the best up and coming fighters in the world.
Fighting for Team GB not only gives Aaron an excellent opportunity to showcase his ability on the world stage but it has also allowed him to train alongside current British world champions up and down the country including Anthony Joshua. Through this, Aaron has been able to see first hand where professionalism, hard work and dedication to the sport of boxing can lead.
Since the Olympic trials, Aaron has also been sparing with 2014 Commonwealth Gold Medalist and 2016 Rio Olympian, Super Welterweight Anthony Fowler. With 2 x 12 round spars under his belt against Fowler, we've no doubt this has been an invaluable experience for Aaron and an equally useful means of preparation for Fowler's upcoming fight in 2021.
We wish Aaron the best of luck this year and will continue to support and fuel him for a busy and exciting 2021. To keep up with Aaron, go give him a follow at @aaronbowenn.