Watford’s own two-time heavyweight and Olympic champion, Anthony Joshua, is launching free boxing classes this week.

AJ’s non-profit organisation, Clean Herts Community (CIC), will start the sessions on Friday (May 24), which are for residents aged 12 to 60-plus and will be held at the Meriden Centre on Fridays.

Those attending have been referred by various local services, and the classes – staffed by coaches from Finchley ABC – aim to promote fitness and camaraderie in the community.

Watford Observer: The free classes will be staffed by coaches from Finchley ABC, who trained AJ as an amateur

The free classes will be staffed by coaches from Finchley ABC, who trained AJ as an amateur (Image: PA)

AJ’s sister Nikita Joshua, who is Clean Herts Community’s project leader, said: “It was important to us to give young people something to do on Friday evenings to stop them from potentially choosing the wrong path in life but also, for adults to have the opportunity to be able to enjoy a sport with no boundaries.

“We feel extremely grateful that Anthony as our founder shares this same passion with us and we’re able to spread such joy within our community through boxing.”

The free classes, which are by booking only, are one of the many projects run by the organisation to uplift and inspire Watford’s residents. Others include hosting football camps and feeding those in need during the holiday season.

Clean Herts aims to combat generational poverty and provide opportunities for all.