LONDON, 13 October 2026. Fight Back Promotions has launched a women-led boxing venture that will fund programmes for women affected by domestic abuse and gender-based violence.

Founded by former GB boxer Lesley Sackey, three-time national champion Shelly Sweeney and former WaterBear Chief Growth and Impact Officer Poppy Mason-Watts, the promotion will stage its first fight night at Ladbroke Hall on 28 November 2026.

The inaugural event on 28 November 2026 falls during the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

The launch builds on Sackey’s work through Fight Forward CIC, a community interest company delivering trauma-informed boxing programmes for women since 2023. Twenty-five per cent of profit made from every event will go directly to the CIC.

After leaving an abusive relationship, she returned to the ring at 40, with her three daughters watching. That return helped give rise to a community where other women could train and rebuild confidence together.

Fight Forward CIC’s ten-week Fight Back programme combines boxing technique, controlled sparring and conditioning with workshops on resilience. Participants train towards a live fight night, supported by female coaches with competitive boxing experience. Funded places enable women affected by abuse to take part without paying programme fees.

Globally, nearly one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, or sexual violence by someone else, during their lifetime, according to the World Health Organization.

Lesley Sackey, co-founder of Fight Back Promotions and founder of Fight Forward CIC, said, “I’ve watched women walk into our sessions carrying things nobody else could see, and walk out standing taller. Training together, learning a skill and choosing to step into the ring can mean a great deal.

“We want to build a promotion that gives women a fight experience they can be proud of, with experienced coaches behind them. And we want those events to help pay for more women to access the programmes that started this.”

Alongside established names, Fight Back Promotions will scout and support women who have developed their skills in the gym but are not yet competing on professional cards, giving them a stage to build their experience and profile.

Shelly Sweeney, co-founder of Fight Back Promotions, said, “I started boxing at 11, and I’ve experienced the sport as both a fighter and a coach. Having something to train towards, the right people in your corner and a chance to compete can make a real difference.

“With Fight Back Promotions, we want to give more women that chance and bring audiences with them. Putting emerging fighters alongside established names gives fans the opportunity to discover someone new and follow their progress. That’s how we want to help women’s boxing grow.”

Mason-Watts brings a background spanning media, brand partnerships, audience growth and impact. Through her own impact studio, she works with organisations as a fractional CMO and strategic adviser, alongside her role as Global Director at Project Dandelion. A former participant in the Fight Back programme, she also brings a personal connection to its mission.

Poppy Mason-Watts, co-founder of Fight Back Promotions, said, “Having taken part in the programme myself, I know what it can mean to the women involved. We want to build fight nights that people want to attend and brands want to support, and use that business to fund more places for women who otherwise couldn’t take part.”

The promotion launches with backing from lululemon, Here we Flo, Proper Snacks, BOXRAW, VDV Search, Sauna and Plunge and NEOM and support from Olympic boxer and former world champion Natasha Jonas. Its inaugural event is expected to fund free places on Fight Forward CIC’s boxing programmes.

Beyond fight nights, Fight Back Promotions plans to run live training, sparring opportunities and community events, alongside original content featuring its fighters.
 

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