Two-time world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has united with UK-based fintech Revolut to launch a limited edition debit card to raise funds for independent boxing gyms across the country.
The glow-in-the-dark debit card, which features Joshua’s motto, 258, appears black and white during the daylight and transforms to a striking green and black in the dark.
For every card ordered, the banking services provider has pledged to donate £1 to boxing gyms across the UK that are struggling financially as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with Revolut committing a minimum of £50,000 in total.
Alan Chang, Senior Vice President at Revolut, explained: “These facilities provide vital services to their communities and play a critical role in the mental and physical health of their members. From day one, Revolut has always been community-driven, so we’re incredibly proud to partner with Anthony Joshua to help raise vital funds for independent gyms across the country.”
The donation will be made to gyms which are members of England Boxing and Scotland Boxing, each of which will be equipped with their own referral code, pocketing £1 for every card purchased using that unique code.
In addition, the gym which refers the most will also benefit from additional £10,000 in financial backing.
“I am delighted to partner with Revolut to support UK boxing gyms,” Joshua remarked on the collaboration. “Without my local gym I would not be where I am today. Across the UK, there are kids and adults alike using these gyms to improve their physical and mental health, and keep themselves off the streets. I am really pleased my Revolut card will make a real difference.”
According to sports charity ukactive, 400 leisure facilities, which were not included in the government’s Sport Winter Survival Package announced last year, have been forced to close their doors since the beginning of the pandemic with a further 2,400 gyms at risk of closing.
Olympic gold medallist Joshua has already provided ‘substantial financial backing’ to amateur boxing federations across England, Scotland and Wales as part of his initiative announced late last year to go back to his roots and support local organisations.
“This partnership between Anthony Joshua, Revolut and Boxing Scotland will provide much-needed support to local boxing gyms across the country,” added Chris Roberts, Boxing Scotland Chief Executive.
“As the governing body we are pleased that Revolut recognises the impact of COVID-19 on the amateur and grassroots boxing community. We welcome their financial support on behalf of our boxing clubs and the support of Anthony Joshua, who throughout the pandemic has demonstrated his commitment to the amateur game that equipped him with the skills in and out of the ring to become such an inspirational world heavyweight champion.”
The two parties have also released a promotional video campaign – #LightItUp – in recognition of the partnership.
