"I really believe sport and boxing in particular can change a lot for the younger generation, which, let's face it, we have a major problem with at the moment.

"The things you need in life to progress - to be resilient, to be hard-working, respect, manners, discipline, physical health, mental health, individuality, confidence - all these things, sport can bring you.

"It really baffles me and worries me when I see these clubs that are so pivotal to the community closing down because of repairs or energy bills going up.

"These clubs are changing people's lives they are bringing positivity to young people, they are keeping them off the streets, they are keeping them away from knife crime."

Hearn runs promotions company Matchroom Sport with his father, Barry, from the family home in Brentwood and said the county had a great tradition of amateur clubs.

They were "lucky" the borough council supported its local amateur club, he added, but he believed local authorities and the government did not appreciate their importance.

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