Club History
On Saturday 10th November 2018, heaven gained an angel, earth lost a legend. At the age of 38 Joseph Randolph Morris tragically died suddenly and unexpectedly from Pneumococcal Meningitis. Joseph Morris, affectionately known as 'Joe' was a boxing promoter, pioneer, philanthropist and pragmatist.
Born in London and raised in Jamaica Joe was a son, brother, father, cousin, uncle and loyal friend. Growing up in Edmonton located in the Borough of Enfield he was known and loved by almost everyone he came in contact with, especially young people. He was intentional about helping young people pursue their passion and live their dreams.
On June 9th 2018 approximately five months prior to his death, Joseph was the visionary and pioneer of the 'Living Legends Legacy Boxing Gala', in association with Frank Warren, A Few Good Men, The Place Of Dreams and Created 2 Care. The event took place at the world renowned Alexandra Palace in North London with over 500 dignitaries, celebrities, boxing legends and community leaders in attendance. It was an exclusive event and was the first of its kind to be held in the UK. Thankfully Joe lived to see his vision come to life.
The purpose of the 'Living Legends Legacy Boxing Gala' was to create a safe space where two worlds would collide, the world of elite boxing and grassroots boxing for young people considered vulnerable or at risk. Joseph was very passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people and as a community leader, youth mentor and advisor, he was one of the UK's unsung heroes.
Months prior to his death Joe spoke to a friend about his desire to open a boxing club that would give young people an opportunity to get off the road and into the ring using boxing as bait. He believed that boxing was a game changer and wanted to be instrumental in using the sport to transform young lives. Unfortunately he did not live to see this dream become a reality, but within a year of his passing the Joe Morris Boxing Club was launched as a pilot project in the old Ponders End youth club, spearheaded by Joe’s sister Karen Allen, Mervin Cato and James Carrick. Enfield Council also played a very strategic part in ensuring that the project was a huge success. Once the youth club transitioned into the new million pound facility, the JMBC transitioned with it and became a state of the art boxing club for young people locally.
Since the launch of the club over 500 young people have engaged boxing as a sport of have been a part of one of the programmes that are associated with the project. The professional trainers at the club frequently do boxing sessions in local schools and PRUS within the Borough of Enfield.
The journey continues....
