Left Hook For Newham's Mayor

 Bobbing and weaving are all part of the politician's art but the Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, decided to take it on the chin when he met up with a bunch of budding Olympic boxers.

Newham Boxing Club demonstrated skipping, pad work and sparring, with young people and adults invited to join in at Stratford Shopping Centre.

They were presented with a framed Newham T-shirt signed by Amir Khan, the former IBF inter-continental light welterweight champion, in recognition of the work they have undertaken to develop boxing locally.

The event was part of a campaign with Newham Council's healthy living and sport team and the council's Newham 2012 unit to increase awareness of boxing opportunities locally and increase club membership.

Last November Newham appointed Carl Barton as its first boxing development officer, with 50 per cent funding from the Amateur Boxing Association. It is the first post of its type in London and one of eight being appointed across the country.

Sir Robin said: "Amir Khan was only 17 when he won an Olympic silver medal at the Athens Games in 2004. Carl's job is to help talented young boxers get into programmes, and potentially develop an East London academy to produce champions in 2012. He is also a link with our social priorities dealing with youth offending and crime diversion."

·        Newham Leisure Centre in Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow will stage the Englandversus Hungary amateur international tournament on Friday March 23, to be broadcast by the BBC the following day.