England Boxing to allow boxers with facial hair to compete

Following the body's review of its policies and rules, in line with their strategy to boost inclusivity, England Boxing confirmed they will remove the rule preventing those with facial hair from competing in time for the new season, which begins on June 1.

The issue had been raised by membership numerous times, including at the AGM and at England Boxing's board meeting last December, where the governing body agreed to explore changing the rule.

"This is great news," said Indi Singh of Lions MMA, the biggest Sikh martial arts club in the UK.

"We run boxing clubs across the country but given our Sikh principles we could never advocate shaving to compete.

"Now, we can happily encourage Sikhs into boxing and we are sure the sport will also benefit from more Sikhs being involved."

Multiple religions prohibit men from shaving their beard, including sects of the Sikh, Muslim and Jewish faiths.

England Boxing has written to the sport's international federation, AIBA, seeking the same change to allow boxers to compete on the world stage.

The body will continue to lobby the body until the prohibitive rule, which has been in place for 137 years, is revoked.

"Boxing is rightly proud of its diversity and we hope by changing this rule we continue with our attempts to be as inclusive as possible," Gethin Jenkins, CEO of England Boxing, said.

Sportsbeat 2018