Kingswinford North and Wall Heath councillor, Shaz Saleem, was on the bill at an event which raised over £5,000.

On Saturday 12th March, Ska Boys Promotion in partnership with The Saleem Foundation hosted “Dawning of a New Era” at the Kingswinford Academy School. 

The event was raising money for the Mayor of Dudley’s chosen charities, which includes Dudley Mind and The Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, alongside PAPYRUS UK.

PAPYRUS exists because suicide is the single biggest killer of young people in the UK today. According to the ONS, over 1600 young people took their own lives last year in the UK, which equates to over 5 people dying by suicide every single day. 

PAPYRUS is the only national charity dedicated to the prevention of young suicide. They exist to reduce the number of young people who take their own lives by equipping both them and their communities with the skills to recognise and respond to suicidal behaviour, to prevent, to intervene, and to encourage self-care.  

Their helpline, HOPELINEUK, provides confidential support and advice to young people and to anyone worried about a young person by telephone, text, email and web chat.

The event began with a 10 bell salute honouring Pensnett hairdresser, Katie Capewell who passed away in Tenerife on February 22. 

There was a total of 7 bouts on the night, culminating in the main event which featured local boxing warrior, Mozza Davies taking cllr Saleem who has never boxed before and agreed to take part in October. MD of Ska Boys Boxing Academy, Adam Waldron, said:

“From a crazy idea back in October we have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring Kingswinford an event that will live long in the memory.

“I took a fight with 1 days’ notice against an undefeated opponent, and despite not performing my best, I’m proud to come away with the win!

“A massive well done to all the fighters on their victory’s and what a main event - one of the best fights I’ve ever seen live, a huge congrats to both fighters!”

After the bout, with the Mayor of Dudley Cllr Anne Millward in the ring it was announced that an enormous £5000 had been raised. Cllr Saleem added:

“What a night! I want to thank each and every person who attended supporting a very successful evening where we raised £5000 for PAPYRUS and the Mayor's charities.

“Thank you to the Mayor, Cllr Anne Millward for supporting me and a huge thank you to all my sponsors and the community members who attended.“

Ska Boys Promotions have already begun plans for their next promotion, which will be called ‘King of the Ring’.