Ares Squad Launches

A New Chapter for Male Amateur Boxing

Yesterday, in the East Midlands, something quietly important took place. Without fuss or fanfare, 130 boxers from across the UK came together under one name:         Ares.

The Ares Male Boxing Squad, founded by Paul Smith, was created to fill a clear gap in the sport. It offers male amateur boxers from schoolboy to elite senior level the chance to access regular, high-level sparring and meaningful rounds beyond the usual regional structures. Ares is open to all registered amateurs in the UK, regardless of club, region or past selection.

And the boxers showed up. In big numbers.

From Clifton ABC to City of Leicester Lightning. Titans Sheffield, Ashfield Spartans, Trojan, and many more. One of the busiest sparring events in recent memory, it delivered strong matchups and a clear sense of purpose.

South Derbyshire played a key role in bringing the day to life. Pete Robinson, working closely with Fleur Pearch and Karina Brien, put in real work to make sure things ran smoothly and to help bring clubs and athletes together. Their efforts helped build the foundation of what looks like a long-term movement in male amateur boxing.

Ares was hosted by Lions Den Heanor, who deserve real thanks. Their facility is excellent and gave the event a professional feel throughout. The support from their team, combined with a quality space, made a difference.

Clubs represented included:

Touchgloves
Prospects
Burton
South Derbyshire
Lions Den Newark
Leicester Railway
Lions Den Heanor
Bad Boys
Javid’s
Da Hood
Legions
Impact ABC
Fan Boxing Academy
Track and Fitness
Priory Park

…and others too. The day showed what happens when the boxing community pulls together with a clear goal.

Among the many standout performers was heavyweight Noah Price from Chesterfield ABC. He left an impression and is one to watch in the coming months.

The Ares concept builds on the success of Athena, its sister project for female boxers. Just as Athena created a space for women to spar, compete and develop outside rigid structures, Ares now offers that same pathway for men. Both take their names from Greek mythology, where Ares and Athena are siblings who represent different strengths. The link between the two projects is deliberate.

One of the day’s defining moments came in the elite ring, where Stuart and Neville Brown worked together once more. A coach and former fighter back in sync, reminding everyone that experience passed on is what keeps the sport moving forward.

Ares is open access, quality focused, and built with the long term in mind. No closed doors, no favourites, no postcode politics. Just boxers, coaches, and clubs working together.

This was a strong start. And it’s only the beginning.