A SOUTHEND boxer has turned his hand to helping the community by starting his own charity and becoming an anti-knife activist.

Mac Pemihwa, 28, a former Belfairs High pupil, wanted to make a change after seeing a surge of violent crime in Southend and London, which encouraged him to form Young Lives Matter with his friend Alex.

Mac said: “Myself and Alex Waite, the co-founder of YLM had enough of the volume of gang violence and knife crime that is affecting our streets and want to make a change.

“By forming this movement, we want to be able to host events that will educate kids on the risks and consequences of joining gangs by inviting ex-gang members and motivational speakers to help us reform the streets.”

The two friends put on a fundraiser at a Southend festival back in June where they used the money to reinvest it into the charity and continue putting on events to warn youngsters of the consequences of knife crime.

They have a lot of backing from others in the boxing industry, including acclaimed boxer Tony Bellew.

Their aim is to take the charity national and keep hosting events.

The previously undefeated semi-pro boxer achieved professional fighting status this year and will fight his professional debut at the end of this month against Conor Hinds at York Hall, Bethnal Green, London.

Mac has won all 30 of his fights as a semi-pro boxer on the unlicensed circuit.

Mac said: “I can’t wait for this upcoming fight, I feel great, I feel ready. There’s been a few setbacks, but I feel more ready than ever. I’m very confident and looking forward to bringing the win back to Southend.”

Mac was recently interviewed by Sonia Randev for The Sports Weekly show, which is shown on Sky channel 195. The interview was due to be shown yesterday.

To buy tickets to Mac’s upcoming fight head over to Southend Combat Academy, off Grainger Road, Southend.